Best Hotels Near the Knoxville Raceway

The Knoxville Nationals is an annual event that celebrates sprint car racing in Knoxville, Iowa. The Nationals take place over four days and features high-speed racing, live music, and plenty of entertainment. Knoxville is known for its rich racing history, and the Nationals celebrate this with traditional racing events, merchandise, and food. Visitors can watch the thrilling races and enjoy the festive atmosphere that surrounds the event.

When are the 2024 Knoxville Nationals?

The Knoxville Nationals takes place annually in August. This year’s event is scheduled to run from August 7th to August 10th, 2024.

According to the Knoxville Raceway, the Knoxville Nationals typically attract around 20,000 visitors each year! However, attendance numbers may vary from year to year depending on things like weather and the racing event lineup.

Where are the Knoxville Nationals held?

As the name suggests, this event is held in Knoxville, Iowa, a charming town located about 25 east of Indianola. The racing events take place at the Knoxville Raceway, with additional festivities and entertainment throughout the town.

What can I expect at the Knoxville Nationals?

The event is a celebration of sprint car racing and Knoxville’s rich racing history. Visitors can expect to see the town filled with race enthusiasts and traditional racing merchandise. The event’s main attraction is the sprint car races, which feature high-speed racing and skilled drivers. In addition to the races, the event also features live music, a street fair, and various racing-related exhibits. Visitors can enjoy delicious food and take guided tours of the town’s racing history.

The event organizers have various parking lots around Knoxville with complimentary shuttles. Even with the transportation, expect to walk quite a bit to get the full experience of what this amazing event has to offer.

So What’s the Deal with Racing Food?

The Knoxville Nationals is known for its racing-inspired cuisine, which includes several popular food items. Some of the event’s most popular food items include:

Corn dogs – These are classic fair foods that are perfect for race-day snacking.
Pork tenderloins – A savory sandwich typically made with breaded pork tenderloin and a variety of toppings. Funnel cakes – These are sweet, crispy pastries that are typically topped with powdered sugar.
Popcorn – A classic snack that’s perfect for munching on during the races.

You’ll also enjoy other classic fair foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, and nachos. Many of the food vendors at the event are local businesses and organizations, giving visitors a taste of Knoxville’s unique culinary culture. If all of this sounds tasty, it’s because it is! Other event attendees will also be hungry so you should be prepared to wait in lines for several of the more popular items.

Want to eat closer to the hotel? Check out our guide with some of the Best Restaurants near Hotel Pommier.

Best Hotels Near the Knoxville Raceway

While staying in Knoxville allows you to be close to the event, accommodations can be quite pricey and fill up quickly due to the high demand. However, staying in nearby Indianola can offer a more affordable and convenient option. Indianola is about a 30-minute drive from Knoxville, and many visitors choose to stay in Indianola to avoid the crowds and traffic that come with the event.

If you do choose to stay in Indianola, there are several lodging options available, including the Quality Inn Indianola, Country Inn & Suites Indianola, and vacation rentals. However, it’s important to note that accommodations in Indianola can also fill up quickly during the event, so it’s recommended to book early.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Indianola, you should probably check our Hotel Pommier :). Guests often stay with us as they want to be close to Knoxville but also want to avoid the crowds. We have room types for groups of all sizes, and all of our rooms come with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Additionally, we offer complimentary breakfast, a Peloton bike, free Wi-Fi, and more for our guests. Our hotel fills up quickly during the Knoxville Nationals, so be sure to book early to secure your room.

While there are certainly benefits to staying in Knoxville, we believe that staying in Indianola and at Hotel Pommier offers a more comfortable and affordable experience for visitors to the Knoxville Nationals.