New Hampshire Motor Speedway
HISTORY
‘New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), located in Loudon, New Hampshire, is a notable venue in the motorsports world with a rich history dating back several decades. The facility originally opened as Bryar Motorsports Park in 1964. It operated under this name until 1989, when the Bahre family purchased the park and embarked on a significant redevelopment project.
Ground was broken for the new speedway on August 13, 1989, and after nine months of construction, it reopened as New Hampshire International Speedway on June 5, 1990. The inaugural race, the Slick 50 300, took place in July 1990, with Rusty Wallace emerging as the winner. Tragically, this event was also marked by the final race of Davey Allison, who was fatally injured in a helicopter crash the following day.
In 2007, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. acquired the speedway and has owned and operated it since. Under their management, the speedway was renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway, reflecting its prominent status in the NASCAR circuit. The track boasts a seating capacity of 76,000 and includes a 1.058-mile oval track and a 1.6-mile road course.
The speedway hosts several major events, including the NASCAR Cup Series’ USA TODAY 301, which has been a staple since 1993. The NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Crayon 200 has also been a recurring event since 1990, with brief interruptions.
In 2009, NHMS introduced its first mascot, Milo the Moose, who adds a unique charm to the speedway’s atmosphere. Milo, clad in a fire suit adorned with the Speedway Motorsports logo and the track’s name, is a beloved figure among fans and frequently appears wearing an open-faced helmet with a dark visor.
Throughout its history, New Hampshire Motor Speedway has been a central venue for motorsports, drawing fans and drivers alike for its challenging track and vibrant events.
ABOUT THE TRACK
New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is a multi-faceted racing facility located in Loudon, New Hampshire, featuring a variety of track configurations and surfaces that cater to diverse motorsports events. The primary track, an oval configuration, has been in use since 1990. It features a unique combination of asphalt and granite surfaces, spanning 1.058 miles (1.703 km) in length. The banking of the turns ranges from 2 to 7 degrees, while the straights have a minimal banking of 1 degree, providing a challenging and competitive environment for drivers.
In addition to the main oval track, NHMS expanded its offerings in 2018 by constructing a quarter-mile dirt oval track. This new addition is located behind the New England Motorsports Hall of Fame and near the southern entrance to the Speedway. The dirt track was designed to host events such as the American Flat Track racing during Laconia Motorcycle Week in 2019. It also featured the USAC Dirt Midget Granite State Legends Cars race during NASCAR weekend in July 2019, with notable NASCAR drivers Corey LaJoie and Daniel Hemric participating in the event.
The introduction of the dirt track diversified the range of motorsport activities at NHMS. In February 2020, the facility also hosted a Snocross event, showcasing its versatility and commitment to accommodating various racing disciplines.
With a seating capacity of 76,000, New Hampshire Motor Speedway remains a prominent destination for racing enthusiasts, offering a mix of traditional asphalt racing and exciting dirt track events. Its dynamic track configurations and ongoing improvements ensure that it continues to be a key venue in the motorsports community.