The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is set to thrill fans at Iowa Speedway, with Young’s Motorsports poised to make a significant impact. The team, known for its steady growth and development of talented drivers, will field two cars for the upcoming race. Veteran Ryan Ellis and promising rookie Nathan Byrd are at the helm, ready to showcase their skills on the 7/8-mile short track.
This race marks a crucial moment in the season for Young’s Motorsports, which has been steadily building its presence in the series since its inception in 2026. With one top-five finish and four top-10 results in its first 110 starts, the team is focused on further solidifying its competitive edge.
Ryan Ellis Aims for Continued Success
Ryan Ellis a seasoned driver with 186 career series starts, returns to Iowa Speedway aboard the No. 02 Demco Products-Farm Rescue Chevrolet. Ellis has shown consistent improvement throughout the season, highlighted by a career-best sixth-place finish at Daytona earlier this year. His previous outing at Iowa resulted in a commendable 14th-place finish in the 2026 Hy-Vee Perks 250.
“We’ve shown some encouraging speed over the last several weeks,” Ellis remarked. “I’m looking forward to seeing what our No. 02 Young’s Motorsports team can accomplish this weekend.” The Iowa race also serves as a platform for the “Built to Move, Driven to Rescue” campaign, which supports farm and ranch families facing hardships through Farm Rescue’s agricultural assistance programs.
Nathan Byrd’s Debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Nathan Byrd, a versatile competitor with experience in over 30 different types of cars, will make his first career start in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Iowa Speedway. The Arizona native has had a diverse racing career since 2018, and this race presents another opportunity to expand his stock car résumé. Byrd’s adaptability and determination make him a driver to watch as he continues to gain experience in NASCAR’s national ranks.
“I’m really looking forward to making my first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at Iowa Speedway,” Byrd said. “It’s a place that rewards patience, consistency, and working closely with your team.” Byrd’s debut adds an exciting dynamic to Young’s Motorsports’ two-car effort, as the team aims to build on its previous successes at the track.
The NASCAR Weekend at Iowa Speedway
The NASCAR weekend at Iowa Speedway kicks off with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Hy-Vee Perks 205 on Friday, August 7, followed by the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol on Sunday, August 9. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race will be broadcast on the CW Network at 6 p.m. ET, while the Cup Series race will air on the USA Network at 2:30 p.m. ET.
This weekend’s race will be the third O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Iowa since the series returned in 2026. Sam Mayer has won both races since its return, showcasing the competitive nature of the track. The race is part of a series of short-track events, with only four races remaining before the Chase. Notable drivers like Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, and Ty Gibbs have already clinched their Chase spots, adding to the excitement of the upcoming races.
Young’s Motorsports’ best series finish at Iowa came in 2026 when rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. delivered a 13th-place result. With Ellis bringing experience and Byrd continuing his development, the team hopes to improve on that mark as the regular season winds toward its conclusion. The race at Iowa Speedway promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and strategy, with Young’s Motorsports aiming to make a significant impact in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
