USME unveils plans for new Iowa oval

Paul Schlaack of US Motorsport Entertainment Corporation, the developer of a proposed new US$35m motorsport and entertainment complex in Newton, IA, has unveiled architectural plans prepared by Indianapolis based circuit designers Paxton Waters Architecture. The 0.9-mile asphalt oval stadium is due to be opened in 2005 and USME hopes to attract mainstream US-based motorsport series to central Iowa

Oct 6, 2003, 12:14 PM

Newton city officials have approved a $17.3m spending plan to help in the development of the project which will have permanent seating for 42,020, which could be nearly doubled with temporary seating. City money is to be spent on municipal improvements and the purchase of the 226-acre site.

Schlaack has received commitments from several racing sanctioning bodies to hold events at the facility, including American Racing Club of America, the American Speed Association and the United States Auto Club. He has also petitioned the Indy Racing League and NASCAR but would have to wait for an inspection committee to approve the facility before Newton could host any such event.