DES MOINES, Iowa — April 21, 2011 — A group of Iowans who share a common interest in economic development and a passion for motorsports today announced the creation of the Green Flag Alliance, a statewide grassroots organization with visions of bringing a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to Iowa.

Hot on the heels of the Iowa Speedway earning a second Nationwide Series race for the 2011 season, group leaders say this is the perfect time to initiate pursuit of an even bigger and better prize.

“We have a great venue and huge demand for a major league auto racing event,” said Newton Mayor Chaz Allen, co-founder and board president of the Green Flag Alliance. “We have to continue to reach for the stars and push the boundaries to give the fans what they truly desire ... access to the premier racing series and the sport’s greatest drivers.”

The Iowa Speedway has drawn in more than a quarter of a million spectators and annually delivers more than $35 million to the state’s economy. The impact of a Cup race would drastically boost those numbers. According to economic analysis from other markets, a Sprint Cup racing event generates as much as $150 million or more to the local economy. Plus, the value of a premier motorsports event is measurable beyond the enormous economic impact and creation of new jobs and revenue streams. It also creates a national spotlight which would raise Iowa’s visibility and provide unique opportunities to promote the state and region.

Without a doubt, securing a Cup race it is an extremely competitive endeavor. Ultimately the decision lies in the hands of NASCAR representatives. Yet, members of the Green Flag Alliance see significant merit in rallying local grassroots-level support.

“Our mission is to harness the powerful enthusiasm of Iowa race fans to educate and excite even more fans – as well as our corporate leaders – about the widespread benefits of premier auto racing here in Iowa,” said Mona Bond, Green Flag Alliance co-founder and board member, who also is a public affairs consultant and executive with the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa.

“We will serve as the voice of the Iowa racing fan,” added Bond, “and our message and actions will make it clear to NASCAR and Iowa Speedway officials that we are a viable Sprint Cup market.”

Iowa's storied racing heritage emerged from the dirt tracks that dot our small towns and cities. Demand has grown steadily over the years and now the state has more race tracks per capita than anywhere in the country.

In 2006, when construction of the Iowa Speedway was completed, a new era in Iowa auto racing emerged. The country’s first and only driver-designed track – created by former NASCAR champion and racing legend Rusty Wallace – the Iowa Speedway opened the door to the full-throttled fun of NASCAR and Indy Car events in Iowa. The 7/8-mile paved, tri-oval layout delivered the tactical intrigue and aggressive excitement provided by the extremely-popular "short track" racing.

Today, the Green Flag Alliance looks to build upon this rich tradition and help write the next chapter in Iowa’s racing history. The group looks to generate fan interest and sponsorship support to help bring a premier racing event to the untapped upper-Midwest region.

New markets and distinctive venues – such as Iowa and the Iowa Speedway – offer unique opportunities to build new excitement and reinvigorating consumer demand for the NASCAR product. The Green Flag Alliance is making certain fans in Iowa remain enamored with the sport and continue to flock to the track every weekend throughout the summer months.

To learn more about Green Flag Alliance leadership and membership opportunities, visit www.GreenFlagAlliance.com.