IndyCar practice session canceled as tornado warnings loom over Iowa

On July 11, 2025, severe weather significantly disrupted the start of the IndyCar racing weekend at Iowa Speedway, United States. A tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in the afternoon, shortly before the IndyCar drivers were scheduled to practice. The official weather alert prompted immediate action, as the staff at the speedway urged drivers, teams, and spectators to seek shelter due to the dangerous conditions. With the prospect of a tornado looming, many attendees scrambled for safety in their vehicles, as the venue lacked designated storm shelters or basements. This unexpected turn of events led to the cancellation of all on-track activities scheduled for that day. Initially, the Indy NXT drivers managed to complete their practice session earlier; however, the severe storm that rolled through the area ultimately caused further delays beyond the IndyCar high-line practice session, which was already postponed by nearly an hour. The spectacle of ominous skies and severe weather left the audience in a state of concern, as the announcer repeatedly reminded everyone to find shelter immediately. The visuals of the storm clouds over the speedway contributed to the heightened anxiety among those present at the event. Following the weather disturbance, meteorologists predicted significant rainfall that would likely require an extended drying period for the track, complicating the weekend's schedule. Despite the initial chaos, no immediate injuries or major damage were reported, which provided some relief to the concerned audience. The IndyCar organization subsequently planned to adjust their schedule in response to the adverse conditions, reinforcing the importance of safety in high-stakes environments such as motorsports. As the threat of severe weather hung over the region, the Des Moines area remained under a tornado watch until later that evening, extending into the night with a flood watch set to last until the early hours of Saturday. The cancellation of on-track activities meant that the upcoming races, including the first which was set for noon ET the following day, now faced uncertainties due to limited practice time and the condition of the track. Nevertheless, the weekend's forecast showed potential for improved weather conditions, with hope that the storms would pass quickly enough for races to proceed safely.