2025 IndyCar Iowa betting preview & free picks | July 11-12

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES hits the bullring this weekend for its only doubleheader of the season: the Synk 275 on Saturday and the Farm to Finish 275 on Sunday at Iowa Speedway. Known as the “fastest short track on the planet”, Iowa’s 0.875-mile tri-oval delivers breathtaking speeds, punishing G-forces, and laps under 18 seconds, making it one of the most physical tracks on the schedule.

Each race will cover 275 laps (240.625 miles), demanding not only raw pace but also supreme tire management and precise pit strategy. The doubleheader is crucial for the title fight; Alex Palou enters Iowa with a commanding 113-point lead over Kyle Kirkwood, but Iowa has historically belonged to Team Penske.

Team Penske drivers have dominated the cornfield bullring, winning eight of the past nine races and leading a staggering 82% of laps during that span. Josef Newgarden alone boasts six Iowa victories and has led 1,699 laps here — more than triple the next-best driver in the field. Yet 2025 has been a perplexing season for Penske, who remain winless and are desperate to end their longest drought since 2008.

Palou seeks his first short-oval win and comes in as the favorite with the top online sportsbooks, despite finishing second in Iowa’s second race last year after leading 103 laps. Meanwhile, Kirkwood arrives riding the momentum of three wins in 2025, including his maiden oval victory at WWTR.

Expect fierce battles in traffic, especially with Chevrolet gunning to protect their perfect nine-race win streak at Iowa since 2016 — even as Honda have swept the first 10 races of 2025.

IndyCar Synk 275 betting odds

• Alex Palou – +200
• Josef Newgarden – +400
• Pato O’Ward – +500
• Scott McLaughlin – +500
• Kyle Kirkwood – +1200
• Will Power – +1400
• Colton Herta – +1600
• Scott Dixon – +1400
• David Malukas – +1800
• Conor Daly – +2000
• Santino Ferrucci – +2500
• Christian Lundgaard – +3000
• Marcus Armstrong – +4500

More odds available at

IndyCar Iowa betting predictions

Josef Newgarden to win

If there’s any place for Josef Newgarden to finally break his 2025 drought, it’s Iowa. He’s won six times on this bullring and has led more laps here than the rest of the field combined, proving his mastery of the high-speed short oval. Even amid Penske’s struggles, Newgarden’s comfort and confidence at Iowa make him a prime threat over two races. Backing him at +400 with to win the weekend — meaning at least one victory across the doubleheader — looks like solid value for a driver with this track’s record in his pocket.

Scott Dixon top-six finish

Scott Dixon might not have an Iowa victory, but his consistency at this track is unmatched. He’s finished in the top six nine races in a row at Iowa, showing he always finds a way to stay in the mix regardless of circumstances. Dixon’s fuel-saving brilliance and strategic nous are perfect for doubleheader chaos. Taking him for a top-six finish at +150 odds looks like one of the safest plays on the board at .

David Malukas top-10 finish

David Malukas thrives on short ovals, as shown by his 67 laps led at WWTR and two prior top-10s at Iowa. He’s been steadily climbing the ranks with Foyt and has found new speed as the team tailors setups to his driving style. Iowa’s fast pace and frequent restarts suit Malukas’ patience-and-pounce approach. At -117.65 with , he’s a solid bet for another top-10 run this weekend.