USA Today 301 Weekend Schedule: As the USA Today 301 Weekend at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway approaches, anticipation is mounting for a series of events poised to captivate racing enthusiasts. This year’s schedule is carefully crafted, featuring the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Xfinity Series on June 21, followed by an array of practice and qualifying sessions. With Saturday’s activities climaxing in preparations for the NASCAR Cup Series, the stage is set for the USA Today 301 on Sunday.
Key Highlights
- The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and Xfinity Series sessions start the weekend on June 21.
- Practice and qualifying sessions for the Whelen Modified Tour and Xfinity Series are on Friday, June 21.
- Saturday, June 22, features practice and qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series.
- The USA Today 301 main event happens on Sunday, June 23, at 2:30 pm ET.
- The weekend provides a full racing experience, from practice sessions to the main race event.
Event Overview and Details
Set against the backdrop of the scenic New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the 2024 USA Today 301 promises a thrilling spectacle as it marks the 18th race of the NASCAR season on June 23. This race at the 1.058-mile oval track in Loudon, New Hampshire, is a hallmark event, celebrated for its challenging layout and competitive spirit. The track features 2-7 degrees of variable banking in the turns and 1 degree of banking on the straights, which adds complexity and excitement for drivers and spectators. It was first opened in 1990.
The 2024 USA Today 301 is particularly notable for showcasing the Next Gen car for the third time in the series, promising innovations in performance and safety. These new vehicles are designed to enrich the racing experience with improved aerodynamics and mechanical grip, ensuring tighter competition and more strategic racing tactics.
The race will be broadcast live at 2:30 pm ET on USA Network, NBC Sports, and PRN, making it accessible to a broad audience excited to witness the high-octane action. The event marks the 32nd annual race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, highlighting its enduring legacy in the NASCAR calendar.
Fans attending the race can anticipate a weekend filled with activities beyond the main event. The speedway typically offers fan zones, driver meet-and-greets, and interactive exhibits, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The venue’s scenic setting in New Hampshire’s picturesque landscape adds a unique charm, making it a favored destination for motorsports enthusiasts.
Top 5️⃣ storylines to watch as @NASCAR heads to #TheMagicMile.#USATODAY301 | 📰: https://t.co/EmlJ81slmY pic.twitter.com/97znb4RL10
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) June 17, 2024
Historical Significance and Previous Winners
The 32nd annual USA Today 301 at New Hampshire not only promises thrills but also carries a rich legacy, with hosting memorable NASCAR moments since its inaugural Cup Series race in 1993. This storied event has been a cornerstone in the NASCAR calendar, reflecting the sport’s evolution and the thrilling drama that fans have come to expect. The 36 drivers participating in this event will battle across 301 laps in 318.458 miles. The Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions are on 22nd June (Saturday), followed by the Cup race on Sunday.
The speedway’s inaugural race was marked by Rusty Wallace’s victory, setting a high standard for the intensity and competitiveness that the track is known for. Over the years, the USA Today 301 has seen numerous legendary drivers etch their names into the annals of NASCAR history. Among these, Jeff Burton stands out, having clinched the title three consecutive times from 1997, 1998, and 1999. Burton’s dominance during this period is a testament to his skill and the strategic mastery required to conquer the challenging New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
In more recent history, Martin Truex Jr. and Joe Gibbs Racing marked their place in the event’s legacy by securing a thrilling victory in last year’s race. Their win exemplified the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the USA Today 301, where strategy, skill, and a bit of luck combine to create unforgettable moments.
Notable Drivers and Their Achievements
Among the various NASCAR talents, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Brad Keselowski have distinguished themselves with their multiple victories at the USA Today 301, showcasing their exceptional skills and consistent performance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. These drivers’ achievements underline their mastery of this challenging track and their ability to deliver under stress.
Kyle Busch, a name synonymous with racing excellence, captured his initial USA Today 301 victory in 2006 and followed up with another win in 2015. Busch’s driving expertise, characterized by his aggressive yet calculated style, has earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor. His ability to navigate the intricate turns of New Hampshire Motor Speedway with precision has made him a perennial favorite among fans and a formidable opponent on race day.
Denny Hamlin, another titan of the track, clinched his USA Today 301 wins in 2007 and 2017. Known for his strategic intelligence and smooth driving technique, Hamlin has consistently demonstrated his ability to outperform his rivals in critical moments. His 2007 win marked him as a rising star, while his 2017 victory solidified his status as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers.
Brad Keselowski’s victories in 2014 and 2020 further highlight his versatility and tenacity. Keselowski, often praised for his adaptability and tactical intelligence, has shown an uncanny ability to read the race and make decisive moves that propel him to the front of the pack. His wins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway are a validation of his relentless pursuit of excellence and his deep understanding of the sport.
Weekend Schedule and Events
Kicking off an action-packed weekend, New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Cup Series on Saturday, June 22, setting the stage for an exhilarating USA Today 301 on Sunday afternoon. This thoughtfully planned weekend is designed to offer fans a thorough racing extravaganza, starting with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Xfinity Series sessions on Friday, June 21.
Friday’s schedule initiates the high-octane atmosphere with the Whelen Modified Tour practice at 2:30 PM ET, followed by NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying at 4:35 PM ET and the initial race of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at 5:45 PM ET. NASCAR Xfinity Series practice session is at 4:05 PM ET, where drivers will fine-tune their vehicles and strategies in preparation for Saturday’s competitions. The synergy between these events ensures that spectators are constantly engaged, witnessing the evolution from practice laps to competitive racing.
Saturday’s agenda is equally compelling, featuring the all-important practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Cup Series at 12:35 PM ET and 1:20 PM ET, respectively. These sessions not only provide critical insights into the drivers’ capabilities but also set the grid for Sunday’s main event—the USA Today 301. The intensity of these qualifying rounds often mirrors that of the main race, as drivers compete for advantageous starting positions, making it a spectacle in its own right. This will be followed by Xfinity Series race of Sci Aps 200 at 3:30 PM ET and Mohegan Sun 100 race at 6:30 PM ET.
The peak of the weekend’s events is the USA Today 301 on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM ET, a race that promises to be the highlight of NASCAR excitement. Fans can look forward to a strategic and adrenaline-filled contest, where every lap contributes to the unfolding drama of motorsports excellence.
Loudon
ETFri
2:30-Mod prac
4:05-USA-Xfin p&q
5:45-Mod qSat
12:35-USA-Cup p&q
3-USA-Xfin prerace
3:30-USA-Xfin 45-45-110
6:30-Flo-Mod 100Sun
2-USA-Cup prerace
2:30-USA-Cup 70-115-116— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 17, 2024
News in Brief: USA Today 301 Weekend Schedule
The USA Today 301 Weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway promises a compelling array of racing events, highlighting the skill of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Cup Series.
The carefully planned schedule, combined with the historical significance and notable drivers, guarantees an unforgettable experience. This weekend will unquestionably captivate racing enthusiasts, offering a blend of speed, strategy, and competition that emphasizes the essence of motorsport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does NASCAR still go to New Hampshire?
A. The NASCAR Cup Series is slated to make its return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 22-23, 2024, headlining the USA TODAY 301 in what promises to be New England’s sole NASCAR weekend of the year. Ticket prices start at an accessible $64 for adults, with children aged 12 and under enjoying entry for just $10—a family-friendly opportunity to witness high-octane racing action firsthand.
ALSO READ: USA Today 301 Entry List: Drivers Set for New Hampshire
