Full Saturday for race fans

Who knew the "Road to Indy" traveled through Newton? At least that was true Saturday.

In a packed day of racing action, fans were treated to three series races and qualifying as well as qualifying for Sunday's IZOD IndyCar Iowa Corn Indy 250.

Iowa Speedway hosted all four series of the "Road to Indy", a developmental series created to give open-wheel drivers a distinct path from entry-level to elite racing for drivers, including the Star Mazda Series, USF2000 National Championships, Firestone indy Lights Series race Saturday.

It's only the second, and final time, all four series will compete on the same track in the same weekend. The other was at the end of March in St. Petersburg, Fla.

“Star Mazda and USF2000 were looking at actually renting the facility at some point in time this summer,” Iowa Speedway's Vice President of Promotions and Communications Craig Armstrong said. “As it turned out we were able to find a way to put them in with Firestone Indy Lights and IZOD IndyCar qualifying.

“It did work out to where we could include them all. It makes for a very full day. It makes for a really active and aggressive schedule. Certainly one open-wheel fans will appreciate."

Saturday was packed with action with hardly an idle minute on the track with four qualifying session, some practice sessions and three races. The huge undertaking was questions of whether or not the task was doable. The track managed the feat well, moving some things to Friday night.

“As it turned out it worked out just great,” Armstrong said. “I'm sure there were some moments when everybody wondered if it was possible to do, but we made it all work. Everyone cooperated.”

The cooperation gave fans a big bang for their buck, allowing them to see all four series compete in some fashion on the track. That doesn't include the autograph session with IZOD IndyCar drivers and a concert. The hard work was for the fans' benefit. Armstrong said it's great to offer so much entertainment for the spectators.

“Saturday now is much more wall-to-wall. There's something going on all the time,” Armstrong said. “A little over-aggressive maybe, but still I think it's a good fan-friendly day."