When it comes to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, New Hampshire Motor Speedway is among the most popular destinations for Canadian race fans to see their favourites like Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in action. In fact, the track – like Michigan International Speedway and Watkins Glen International in New York state – plays O Canada before every race to recognize the vast Canadian support that they receive.
Opened in 1990, NHMS, known as the Magic Mile, plays host to a pair of NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series every year. It is located in Loudon, N.H., approximately one hour north of Boston, and is easily accessible via interstate highways from all metropolitan areas in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. The multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in the New England area and according the latest census numbers, there are 18 million people living within 200 miles of the track. On-site camping facilities mean you never have to stray far from the action the entire race weekend.
Often referred to as “Martinsville on steroids,” the 1.058-mile oval at the speedway is considered to be among the toughest tests on the NASCAR circuit. The shape of the track layout makes it resemble a giant paper clip. Passing on the single groove layout is a challenge for the drivers and the tight turns place tremendous demand on the cars’ braking systems. With seating capacity of 88,000, the facility also includes a 1.6-mile road course. NHMS also plays host to NASCAR events in the XFINITY Series and Camping World Series, and is the only location in the six-state New England region that offers NASCAR racing.
In addition to those events, several regional professional series also race at NHMS, including the American-Canadian Tour, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. Other events include the Loudon Road Race Series, U.S. Legend Cars and international legends and bandolero divisions. Some of the amateur series contest at the track are Sports Car Club of America events, Vintage Racer Group, U.S. Classic Racing Association and the World Karting Association.
You can also get behind the wheel of a race car at NHMS. Several racing schools conduct sessions at the track, such as the Richard Petty Driving Experience, the Rusty Wallace Driving Experience, the NASCAR Racing Experience and Penguin School for motorcycle racing.
Take a look around the entrance. In one year since this sphere was taken, it was viewed over 35,000 times.