Corn futures are up

Despite having some inital difficulties with everything from proper downforce to traffic control, the Iowa Corn Growers have agreed to support IndyCars at Rusty Wallace Speedway for 2008 AND 2009.

OK, it's not really called Rusty Wallace Speedway - but with all the statues and pictures of Super Deuce the Iowa Speedway in "tony Newton" might as well be named accordingly.

From the Des Moines Register:

The Iowa Corn Indy 250 will be held on June 22 next year. A 2009 date hasn't been specified.

"It's an honor for us at Iowa Speedway to continue our relationship with a primary sponsor like Iowa Corn and, of course, the Indy Racing League," speedway designer Rusty Wallace said.

Terry Angstadt, the president of the IRL's commercial division, said it is hoped that next year's race will be televised live on ABC, as this year's inaugural event was. That race, held June 24, was won by Dario Franchitti before an estimated 35,000 fans.

In the words of Pressdog, "What's an 'estimated fan'?"