New Hampshire International Speedway

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Loudon, New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway stands as New England's premier motorsports facility. The speedway opened its gates on June 5, 1990, and has since become a cornerstone of American racing culture. Located approximately one hour north of Boston, this 1,200-acre complex offers easy access to motorsports fans throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada via nearby interstate highways.

Track Configuration and Technical Specifications

The main attraction at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is its 1.058-mile oval track, affectionately known as "The Magic Mile." This asphalt and granite surface features modest banking of 7 degrees in the turns and 1 degree on the straightaways. This relatively flat configuration creates unique racing challenges, requiring drivers to master braking and acceleration techniques specific to this track. The facility also houses a 1.6-mile road course with 12 technical turns, a 0.25-mile mini-oval, and a 0.25-mile dirt flat track. This variety of racing surfaces makes the speedway a versatile venue capable of hosting diverse motorsports events throughout the racing season.

Historical Development

The speedway sits on land previously occupied by Bryar Motorsports Park. The facility underwent a significant ownership change on November 2, 2007, when Speedway Motorsports purchased it from Bob and Gary Bahre, changing its name from New Hampshire International Speedway to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. An interesting construction anecdote reveals how the track's banking came to be 7 degrees rather than the planned 12 degrees. A miscommunication occurred between designers and builders about whether banking figures were expressed in degrees or percent, resulting in the track's current configuration that has defined its racing character.

Racing Heritage

The first NASCAR-sanctioned event at the speedway was a NASCAR Xfinity Series race held on July 15, 1990, with Tommy Ellis taking the checkered flag. The NASCAR Cup Series made its debut at the track on July 11, 1993, when Rusty Wallace claimed victory. From 1997 to 2017, the speedway hosted two Cup Series races annually, solidifying its place in NASCAR's schedule. Currently, the track hosts the annual USA Today 301 Cup Series race, along with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The latter is considered the most prestigious event on the Modified Tour calendar.

Signature Events and Traditions

Beyond NASCAR, the speedway hosts the Loudon Classic, America's longest-running motorcycle race that began in 1965. This historic event predates the speedway itself and was incorporated into the venue's schedule after construction. Winners at New Hampshire receive a distinctive trophy – a massive 20-pound lobster – reflecting New England's maritime heritage and adding a unique regional character to victory celebrations.

Spectator Experience

With a seating capacity of approximately 44,000, the speedway creates an intimate racing atmosphere where fans can view most of the track from any seat. The facility's location places it within 200 miles of nearly 18 million people, making it an accessible destination for motorsports enthusiasts throughout the Northeast. The track's relatively flat design allows spectators to see across the infield to the opposite side of the circuit, providing excellent visibility of racing action and strategy development throughout events. This clear sightline advantage has helped cement New Hampshire Motor Speedway's reputation as one of NASCAR's most fan-friendly venues.