Elliott Sadler leads Nationwide race Iowa Speedway in 2012
Photo – Getty Imagaes

A little short track out in Iowa will light up for the second time this season when the Nationwide Series hits this tough venue. Rain drenched the race last June, forcing a move to Sunday and then Trevor Bayne and Austin Dillon dueled it out for the victory, with Bayne coming out on top. With the weather looking good, the cars will race under the lights on Saturday night to continue the championship chase.

The US Cellular 250 will go green on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 8:16 PM ET. 250 laps will make up the 218.75 miles around the track. Unlike June, the weather forecast looks good with partly cloudy skies and only a 10% chance of rain. Fans can view the race on ESPN2 on Saturday nght or listen in on MRN.

Elliot Sadler was in victory lane last August at Iowa after dominating the last 50 laps of the event. Justin Allgaier was closest to beating Sadler, but he was the last guy to be passed by Sadler on his way to the victory. It was a feel good victory for Sadler after a questionable restart call at the previous race in Indianapolis prevented him from making history. A repeat will be on Sadler’s mind come Saturday night, but he’ll have to do it in a Joe Gibbs Racing car this weekend instead of an RCR entry.

Almost 1,000 miles separate this weekend’s Nationwide and Cup Series’ races, but that won’t stop one driver from pulling off double duty. That driver is Brad Keselowski, who will be going for the win in Iowa and then turning around to duel in Pocono the next afternoon. Other notable entries in the field include Kenny Wallace making one of his select Nationwide starts along with Drew Herring who will take the wheel of the No.54 JGR entry.

Problems for Sam Hornish Jr. drastically changed the point’s standings after Indy. Austin Dillon was able to sneak up and take over the lead after Hornish Jr. blew his engine and Regan Smith didn’t have the greatest day. Dillon will now look to take off with the championship race and this weekend could be the best chance for other contenders to overtake him before he gets too far away.

Saturday night racing has been wild so far this season and this Saturday could most definitely call for the same viewing experience. These drivers know it’s a great opportunity to take the victory with only one major Cup driver in the field. Elliot Sadler could break through for his first win of the season after taking this race in 2012. Who knows what will happen, so tune-in on Saturday for a sure to be wild show.

Event Schedule

3:30-4:50 PM CT (4:30-5:50 PM ET) (Friday) Nationwide Series Practice, not televised

6:00-7:20 PM CT (7:00-8:20 PM ET) (Friday) Nationwide Series Final Practice, not televised

4:05 PM CT (5:05 PM ET) (Saturday) Nationwide Series Qualifying, (check your local listings for confirmation of if it’s televised)

7:00 PM ET (8:00 PM CT) (Saturday) Nationwide Series’ race, the US Cellular 250, televised on ESPN2

Next Race- Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, NY

Entry List via Jayski.com