Iowa Speedway's recent repaving of a significant portion of its oval track has drastically increased the grip levels for NTT IndyCar Series drivers, particularly in the corners. However, this has posed a new challenge for the Firestone tires, as the lack of degradation has impacted the racing dynamics. Seasoned champion Scott Dixon noted the drastic change from the pack racing chaos of previous seasons to the more controlled, high-performance races of recent years. The increased grip has minimized the performance gap between new and old tires, affecting passing opportunities. Many drivers, including Dixon and Scott McLaughlin, express nostalgia for the old track with its bumps and multiple racing lines, hoping for a return to the thrilling races of the past. Despite the challenges posed by the new track conditions, drivers are ready to adapt and tackle the competition head-on.