BOONE, Iowa -- James Jakes is used to racing race cars capable of speeds of more than 230 mph.

The Verizon IndyCar Series driver for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports experienced something much slower on June 30 -- an antique tractor with a top speed of 14 mph.

"I just didn't want to break it," Jakes said after appearing at the annual WHO Tractor Ride at the Central Iowa Expo. "That tractor is his pride and joy and I didn't want to do anything to it. My flight was been delayed last night so 14 mph was fast enough for 7 in the morning."

Jakes' first tractor driving experience came courtesy of Ray Cook of Seymour, Iowa, who has participated in all but one of the previous 18 Tractor Rides. Cook spent a few minutes giving Jakes a few pointers of the 1968 International Harvester 756 before turning him loose at top speed.

"He's certified at 14 mph," joked Cook, who is a self-described race fan that attends weekly dirt track events at Knoxville Raceway.

Added Jakes: "It was cool. I've never driven a tractor before but where I'm from in England is farming country so it's fitting. I haven't had to use the slow speed skills in a while, so it's good to know they are still there."

The visit was part of promotion for the Iowa Corn 300 on July 17-18 at Iowa Speedway in Newton. GET TICKETS, INFO