New Hampshire International Speedway

New Hampshire International Speedway is a 1.058-mile oval motorsports complex located in Loudon, New Hampshire. Since its opening in 1990, it has been a prominent venue for NASCAR national series events and has also hosted the IndyCar Series. The track is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports and is known for its relatively flat banking and challenging, multi-groove racing surface.

History

The facility was conceived by entrepreneur Bob Bahre, who sought to bring major-league stock car racing to the New England region. Construction began in 1989 on the site of the former Bryar Motorsports Park, a road course that had hosted SCCA and AMA Superbike events. The first NASCAR Cup Series race was held in 1990, the Slick 50 300, won by Rusty Wallace. The track was initially independent before being purchased by Speedway Motorsports, led by O. Bruton Smith, in 2008, integrating it into a portfolio that includes Charlotte Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Track characteristics

The oval is a relatively flat, 1.058-mile Asphalt circuit with only 2 to 7 degrees of banking in the corners and 1 degree on the straights. This low-banking configuration places a premium on mechanical grip and braking stability, making it one of the more technically demanding ovals on the NASCAR schedule. The track features two distinct racing grooves and a long, 1,500-foot frontstretch, with the start/finish line located uniquely near the entrance to Turn 1. The infield includes a road course layout used for club racing and driving schools.

Major events

The speedway's primary events are NASCAR national series races. It traditionally hosts two NASCAR Cup Series weekends, including the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 and a playoff event in the NASCAR playoffs. The NASCAR Xfinity Series holds the Ambetter Health 200, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competes in the CRC Brakleen 175. From 1992 to 2011, the track was also a fixture on the IndyCar Series calendar, hosting events such as the MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225. Other series that have competed include the Whelen Modified Tour and the American-Canadian Tour.

Notable moments

The track has been the site of several dramatic and historic finishes. In 1993, Dale Earnhardt executed a famous "pass in the grass" to maintain his lead against Ricky Rudd. A tragic moment occurred in 2000 when a crash took the life of Adam Petty during a Busch Series practice session. In 2011, Tony Stewart won the first NASCAR playoffs race en route to his third Cup Series championship. The 2022 Ambetter Health 200 featured a memorable last-lap duel for victory between Tyler Reddick and Justin Allgaier.

Ownership and management

Originally owned and operated by Bob Bahre and his family, the speedway was acquired by Speedway Motorsports in 2008 for $340 million. Under the leadership of O. Bruton Smith and later his son, Marcus Smith, the company has implemented numerous facility upgrades. These include the installation of permanent lights for night racing and enhanced fan amenities. The track's operations are integrated with other Speedway Motorsports properties, sharing marketing and management strategies with venues like Texas Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Category:Racing venues in New Hampshire Category:NASCAR tracks Category:Speedway Motorsports