Rain postpones Nationwide race at Iowa Speedway

The lyrics "Who'll stop the rain?" were belted out by John Fogerty.

It is doubtful they were ever meant to be applied to an auto race in Newton, but many race fans, drivers and officials were asking that question Saturday evening.

During driving introductions, rain began to fall at Iowa Speedway, postponing the start of the NASCAR Nationwide Series DuPont Pioneer 250. The race was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., but was delayed. Cars remained covered with tarps and drivers retreated back to their trailers during the rain.

Jet dryers were sent to the track around 7:15. Track officials said that the track takes at least 90 minutes to dry once the rain stops, depending upon the conditions including wind and humidity.

At 8:35, there had yet to be an official announcement as to a new start time.

UPDATED

Weather applied the brakes to competition at Iowa Speedway.

Rain began falling during driver introductions, delaying and eventually postponing the NASCAR Nationwide Series DuPont Pioneer 250 in Newton. The race is now schedule to begin Sunday at 10 a.m. (CST) and will be televised on ESPN2.

NASCAR and track officials announced the postponement about two hours after the original start time. Jet dryers had taken the track about 7:15 p.m. locally to prep the track for a start, but additional rain and more expected led to the decision.

“The weather system that is coming this way and the fact that it is raining again,” Iowa Speedway Director of Communications Craig Armstrong said. “All the gains we made on the race track are now erased.”

It was the first time a Nationwide race has been postponed since 2008 at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. It is also believed to be the first national series event postponed due to weather at Iowa Speedway.

Nationwide drivers were able to take the track to qualify.

Austin Dillon claimed the pole with a fast-lap speed of 136.737 miles per hour Saturday afternoon. It was his third straight pole, making the 0.875-mile oval in 23.037 seconds. The feat ties a record for most consecutive poles, joining five others.

Sam Hornish Jr., of Penske Racing, will start next to Dillon on the front row. He posted a speed of 135.834 mph, matching Dillon's 11 top-10 starts this season and four top-10 starts in as many races at Iowa Speedway.

Hornish teammate, Joey Logano, qualified sixth, but will race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. He will be replaced by Ryan Blaney, but the car will be moved to the back of the field.

Brian Scott rounded out the top-three. Kyle Larson was the fastest qualifying rookie, finishing 10th in 135.205 mph.