Saturday’s EJP 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is shaping up as a critical event in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoffs. The one-mile “Magic Mile” oval is renowned for demanding patience, precision, and skill in flat corners, rewarding drivers who can combine qualifying speed with smart racecraft. With playoff positions on the line and a field full of young stars, veterans, and title contenders, the stakes are high. This year’s race promises intense battles and pivotal moments that could define careers.
Key Highlights
- Corey Heim starts from pole and remains the favorite for victory.
- Chandler Smith in P2 faces a must-win scenario for playoff advancement.
- Ty Majeski, Layne Riggs, and Tanner Gray are poised for top finishes.
- New Hampshire’s one-mile Magic Mile challenges driver precision and strategy.
- The EJP 175 serves as the final race in the first Truck Series playoff round.
Track History: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
New Hampshire Motor Speedway, often called the “Magic Mile,” is located in Loudon, New Hampshire, and is the largest sports and entertainment venue in New England. Built in 1990 on the site of Bryar Motorsports Park, it hosts Cup and Truck Series races, accommodating over 100,000 fans. The track features variable banking from one to seven degrees and wide 65-foot straights, encouraging side-by-side battles and precise driving through flat corners. Multi-use layouts, including a 1.6-mile road course and mini-oval, have added to its historical versatility.
Since the late 1990s, New Hampshire has been the region’s sole playoff venue, hosting memorable firsts and milestone events. Its combination of tradition, accessibility to over 18 million residents, and historical significance has cemented its reputation as one of NASCAR’s most prominent short tracks.
EJP 175 Race History
The EJP 175, sponsored by Everett J. Prescott, Inc., has been a staple of the Truck Series schedule since 1996. The 175-lap race (185 miles) often serves as a pivotal playoff event, where green-flag pit stops, tire management, and late-race restarts frequently decide the outcome.
Returning after a brief hiatus, the EJP 175 has evolved into a proving ground for young drivers, especially in high-pressure playoff situations. The 2025 race, the 21st Truck Series event of the season, will determine which drivers survive the first playoff round.
Top Contenders: 2025 EJP 175 Predictions
Corey Heim (TRICON Garage No. 11) enters from the pole with dominant qualifying speed and strong flat-track performance. His consistency makes him the favorite to control Saturday’s race.
Chandler Smith (Front Row Motorsports No. 38) starts second and faces a must-win scenario to advance in the playoffs. His combination of aggression and composure makes him a serious threat to Heim.
Ty Majeski (ThorSport Racing No. 98) starts third and has shown success at technical tracks, making him capable of executing smart pit strategies and tire management.
Layne Riggs (Front Row Motorsports No. 34) begins fourth, showcasing strong adaptability and potential to upset favorites.
Tanner Gray (TRICON Garage No. 15) rounds out the top-five starters, consistently performing and positioned to capitalize on late-race chaos or well-timed strategy.
Other drivers capable of influencing the outcome include Matt Crafton, Brent Crews, Corey LaJoie, Jake Garcia, and Tyler Ankrum, while Rajah Caruth, Daniel Hemric, Kaden Honeycutt, and Grant Enfinger could produce surprise results.
Strategy and Playoff Implications
With track position critical on New Hampshire’s flat, one-mile layout, drivers must balance aggression with patience. Flawless pit stops, timely overtakes, and error-free restarts will be vital for playoff contenders.
The EJP 175’s history shows that races here often hinge on small strategic decisions, and the 2025 edition will be no different. Fans can expect intense side-by-side battles and a race where every lap carries playoff consequences.
News in Brief: EJP 175 Winner Predictions: Who Will Dominate the Magic Mile?
Saturday’s EJP 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will test drivers’ skill, strategy, and composure under playoff pressure. Corey Heim leads from the pole, with Chandler Smith, Ty Majeski, Layne Riggs, and Tanner Gray rounding out the top-five starters. The one-mile “Magic Mile” has challenged drivers for decades, rewarding precision and calculated aggression. Other contenders include Matt Crafton, Brent Crews, Corey LaJoie, Jake Garcia, Tyler Ankrum, Rajah Caruth, Daniel Hemric, Kaden Honeycutt, and Grant Enfinger. Tune in at Noon ET on FS1 to watch the Truck Series playoff action unfold.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Entry List Revealed for Intense EJP 175!
