Team Penske made a statement Saturday at Iowa Speedway, showing plenty of speed throughout practice and qualifying and putting itself in position to control Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350.
Ryan Blaney led the way for the organization, putting the No. 12 Ford on the pole and continuing to show why Iowa has become one of his strongest tracks. Blaney has been a factor every time the Cup Series has visited the 7/8-mile oval, and after another strong Saturday, he enters race day as one of the clear favorites.
But the speed wasn’t limited to Blaney.
Joey Logano and Austin Cindric also showed strength throughout Saturday’s sessions, giving Team Penske multiple cars capable of running near the front. Across practice runs and qualifying speed, Penske appeared to have a strong handle on what it takes to get around Iowa.
That could be especially important Sunday. Iowa is a track where maintaining track position can become critical, and having multiple teammates near the front gives Penske more options when it comes to pit strategy and adjustments throughout the race.
Blaney may be the driver getting most of the attention after winning the pole, but the overall performance from the organization is what should have the rest of the garage paying attention.
Penske has also proven it knows how to win at Iowa. Blaney won the inaugural Cup Series race at the track in 2024, while Logano has consistently been one of NASCAR’s strongest drivers on shorter, technical ovals.
Everything Team Penske showed Saturday points toward a team ready to contend for another Iowa victory.
Practice showed the speed. Qualifying backed it up.
Now, Team Penske heads into the Iowa Corn 350 looking like the team everyone else may have to beat.