Greenwood. When you hear that word today, it probably does not mean much. But sixty years ago, it meant everything to racing fans in central Iowa. Greenwood Roadway was, at the time, the pinnacle of road racing in this state. It drew big names and major series, and for a short while, it put Iowa on the national motorsports map. Unfortunately, despite all that promise, it lasted only three years.
Building a Dream in Rural Iowa
The idea for Greenwood came about in the post–World War II era, when servicemen returned home and wanted places to race sports cars without leaving the state. Funding came together with help from notable backers like James Kimberly, then-president of Kimberly-Clark and former president of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). The goal was to raise $300,000, which is over $3 million in today’s dollars.
For perspective, Iowa Speedway in Newton cost more than $70 million in 2006, well over $100 million today. Of course, that was a state-of-the-art NASCAR oval with top-tier facilities. Greenwood was built on a much leaner budget.
The site chosen was twelve miles southeast of Indianola, just off Highway 65. The rural location minimized noise issues but made access and amenities difficult. Hotels, restaurants, and supporting infrastructure never materialized.
The Track and Its Challenges
Greenwood opened in 1963 with a three-mile, fifteen-turn layout that wound through rolling hills and wooded terrain. The track had flow, rhythm, and character. It felt more like a European road course than a flat oval in a cornfield. Drivers respected it for its technical demands and natural beauty.
But construction cut corners. The pavement was thin, Iowa winters punished it, and cracks appeared quickly. Repairs proved costly. With minimal runoff areas and outdated safety by mid-1960s standards, the track struggled to keep pace as cars got faster.
Racing at Greenwood Roadway
Despite its flaws, Greenwood hosted some of the biggest names and series of the era. The United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC), USAC Stock Cars, SCCA Nationals, the AMA Motorcycle Championship, and the International Karting Federation all visited.
Legends like Jim Hall, Bob Bondurant, David Pearson, and Ken Miles all competed there. Miles even drove a Cobra owned by Carroll Shelby at Greenwood. For Iowa, this was monumental. It was a rare glimpse into the highest levels of motorsport.
Why Greenwood Failed
By 1966, the end was near. Access roads were limited, spectator turnout was disappointing, and financial losses piled up. Safety concerns grew louder as cars outpaced the track’s design. Series began pulling out, promoters could not cover maintenance, and Greenwood closed quietly after just three seasons.
Today, only fragments remain, being reclaimed by the Iowa countryside. What was once alive with speed is now silent and overgrown.
Greenwood’s Legacy Lives On
To those who remember, Greenwood is a legend. It was Iowa’s brief moment of motorsport greatness. While it failed financially, it succeeded in capturing imaginations. It proved what was possible, even in the middle of rural Iowa.
Thanks to dedicated fans, Greenwood lives on digitally. A recreated version exists as a mod for Assetto Corsa, available to drive at Grid Lounge. This modern imagining transforms Greenwood into a Formula One–ready circuit, giving us a look at what it could have been.
There is even a link to pop culture: the fan-favorite Deep Forest Raceway in Gran Turismo is said to have drawn inspiration from Greenwood’s original layout.
So if you want to race a piece of Iowa history, even virtually, stop by Grid Lounge Tuesday through Saturday. We will get you on track. Greenwood may be gone, but its spirit still lives in every corner.