New Hampshire Motor Speedway
New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), located in Loudon, New Hampshire, is a premier motorsports complex known as “The Magic Mile.” It is one of the most significant racing venues in the northeastern United States, hosting NASCAR’s national touring series and a variety of professional, regional, and amateur racing events. With its 1.058-mile oval track and multiple racing configurations, NHMS is a versatile facility cherished by fans and drivers alike.
History
NHMS’s origins trace back to the 1960s when a ¼-mile dirt oval operated on the current site. The modern speedway was developed after Bob Bahre purchased and reconfigured the venue, breaking ground in August 1989 and officially opening on June 5, 1990, as New Hampshire International Speedway. The track was constructed with ambitions to host national series events, including NASCAR Cup and CART races.
The venue hosted its first NASCAR-sanctioned event on July 15, 1990, with the Budweiser 300 Xfinity Series race. NHMS held its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race on July 11, 1993, with Rusty Wallace claiming victory. Subsequent years saw the speedway grow in prominence, boasting expansions that increased seating capacity and added diverse racing configurations, including a 1.6-mile road course and smaller oval layouts.
In November 2007, Speedway Motorsports, Inc., led by O. Bruton Smith, acquired NHMS, ushering in a new era with investments in modernization and fan experience enhancements. Today, NHMS hosts marquee events including the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 NASCAR Cup Series race and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events, positioning itself as New England’s largest sports and entertainment venue.
Most Famous Races Held
Notable races at NHMS include the annual Foxwoods Resort Casino 301, a pivotal NASCAR Cup Series event known for dramatic finishes and competitive fields, and the UNOH 200 for the Truck Series. In 2009, Joey Logano captured his first career Cup win at NHMS, highlighting the track’s role in driver breakthroughs. The speedway has been the site of memorable races featuring intense playoff battles and historic moments such as Dale Earnhardt’s final Cup season participation.
Track Information
NHMS features a 1.058-mile oval track with variable banking of 2-7 degrees in turns and 1 degree on straights, accommodating speeds around 130-140 mph for stock cars. Besides the main oval, the facility includes:
A 1.6-mile road course with 12 turns used for sports car and other racing events.
A 0.25-mile mini oval inside turns 1 and 2 for Legends and Bandolero cars.
A 0.25-mile dirt flat track supporting motorcycle and flat track racing.
With roughly 55,000 seats after expansions, NHMS offers a wide range of amenities, including multiple garages, media centers, and spectator facilities, supporting events with over half a million annual attendees.