Can you guess which Iowa motorsport race is one of the best in the country?
Iowa has one of the best motorsport races in the country.
With 10 raceways around the state and Iowa hosting the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024, it is safe to say Iowans enjoy the thrill of motorsports. The NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Iowa sold out nearly four months before the race.
So out of all the races in Iowa, which one is the best in the state and one of the best in the country?
What Iowa motorsport race won is one of the best in the country?
Iowa's NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals was ranked as the second-best race in the country by USA TODAY 10Best.
Also known as the "granddaddy of them all," the Knoxville race beat out eight other races across the country including the Indianapolis 500 and the King of the Hammers. The only race ranked better than Knoxville's is Sick Week in Orlando Florida.
A panel of industry experts submitted nominations for the annual rankings. 10Best editors narrowed down the list and reader votes determined the final rankings.
What is the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals race?
The race started in 1961, according to the Knoxville Nationals website. It's a four-day format with a total purse reward of $1 million. Every lap around the track builds points for the racers and whoever has the most points wins the purse.
The track was originally used for horse racing and is located on the Marion County Fairgrounds. The first automobile race was held in 1901, according to the raceway's website.
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When is the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals Race?
The 63rd NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals begins Aug. 7, 2024, and runs until Aug. 10.
The current champion of the race is Kyle Larson. Tickets are still available for all four days and they start at $47, according to the Knoxville Nationals' website.
What were the top 10 motorsports races?
The top 10 motorsport races according to USA TODAY 10Best included:
Sick Week -Orlando, Florida
NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals - Knoxville, Iowa
King of the Hammers- Johnson Valley, California
SCCA National Championship Runoffs - Plymouth, Wisconsin
NHRA U.S. Nationals - Indianapolis, Indiana
Holley LS Fest West - Las Vegas, Nevada
Chili Bowl Nationals Powered by NOS Energy Drink - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Indianapolis 500 - Indianapolis, Indiana
Grant Park 165 - Chicago, Illinois
Daytona 500- Daytona Beach, Florida
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Knoxville Nationals ranked as one of nation's best motorsport races
