Sat Jul 12 23:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text:
**Summary:**
A Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service forced the evacuation of Iowa Speedway in Newton on Friday afternoon during NTT IndyCar Series practice. Spectators and drivers were urged to seek shelter as a tornado-warned storm moved through the area. The speedway lacks designated storm shelters, prompting staff to advise attendees to take refuge in their vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damage were reported after the storm passed, although the event was delayed due to the extensive rain. The weekend forecast is promising, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures expected for Saturday and Sunday’s races.
**News Article:**
**Tornado Warning Forces Evacuation at Iowa Speedway; Races Delayed**
NEWTON, Iowa – A Tornado Warning sent drivers and fans scrambling for safety at Iowa Speedway in Newton on Friday as severe weather swept through the region. The National Weather Service issued the warning around 2:45 p.m. local time, interrupting NTT IndyCar Series practice.
Sirens blared and an announcement urged attendees to seek shelter immediately. Videos and photos captured the dramatic skies as the storm approached the track. With no designated storm shelters on the property, speedway staff directed people to their vehicles for protection, advising them to buckle their seatbelts and keep their heads below the windows.
While meteorologists caution against vehicles as the ideal shelter during a significant tornado, it was deemed the safest immediate option.
After the storm passed, officials reported no injuries or significant damage. However, the substantial rainfall caused a delay in the afternoon program to allow the track to dry.
This weekend’s IndyCar event at Iowa Speedway is a doubleheader, with races planned for both Saturday and Sunday. Fortunately, the forecast for the remainder of the weekend is optimistic. The FOX Forecast Center predicts clear skies and pleasant summer temperatures for the race days, with lows around 60 degrees and highs in the 80s. Race organizers are hopeful that the scheduled races will proceed as planned.