NEWTON, Iowa — Editor's Note: The above video originally aired in May 2024
If you spot a Tigerhawk moving at fast speeds on TV this weekend, don't be surprised that it's on a racetrack.
Cory LaJoie, the No. 7 driver for Spire Motorsports, will drive a special Iowa Hawkeyes-themed car at the Iowa Speedway as it hosts its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race, the Iowa Corn 350 on Sunday, June 16.
The Chevrolet Camaro will feature a black and gold striped paint scheme with a prominent Iowa Hawkeyes logo on the hood and the athletic department's website on the rear.
"The NASCAR event at Iowa Speedway is a marquee event for the state and we’re thankful that Gainbridge® is shining a big spotlight on Learfield and Iowa athletics," Gabe Aguirre, vice president and general manager of Hawkeye Sports Properties, said in a statement. "We’re all rooting for Corey LaJoie in that No. 7."
The partnership between Gainbridge and the Hawkeyes isn't new: the digital insurance agency sponsors Iowa Athletics and recently signed a multi-deal year with Iowa breakout star Caitlin Clark.
"From Caitlin Clark to now this, Gainbridge® has stepped up to support Iowa athletics and we hope that all of Iowa will rally around Corey LaJoie and cheer him on to victory lane," said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship and Activation at Group 1001, which owns the Gainbridge subsidiary.
The Iowa Corn 350 will be televised live on USA Network Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. The 17th of 36 races on the 2024 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.