Kevin Harvick Receives Colonial Musket Ahead of His Final NHMS Race

Turn Four Renamed “Harvick 4.”

 

New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) honored the career and legacy of Kevin Harvick as he prepares for his final NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race at “The Magic Mile” as a full-time NCS driver in Sunday’s Crayon 301. NHMS Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath presented the veteran driver with a custom-designed musket handmade by Ed Parry of Black Hart Long Arms in North Stonington, Conn.

 

“Over the years, I’ve given you a lot of lobsters here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but I wanted to give you something different this time,” said McGrath. “So, we have a custom-built musket, handcrafted out of Connecticut, that commemorates your record-tying four wins here at ‘The Magic Mile,’ and as a special thank you for being a great ambassador to our track and all of our fans, I present to you this beautiful musket.”

 

The commemorative musket represents the New England fowling guns of the 1700s, made with Yankee frugality of repurposed, imported and locally made components. The attractive stock is of local curly ash wood that is strong, stable and eye catching. The lock and hardware are reshaped French and English in origin and the octagon barrel is from Pennsylvania. Yankees also wanted a practical gun in a .62 caliber smooth bore that would shoot bird shot for small game or a round ball for bigger game and militia use. The steel components are rust blued and rust browned for ease of maintenance and a non-reflective stealthy appearance for the woodsman. The right side carries the silver commemorative plaque to Harvick and on the left side, a silver plaque of the Speedway Motorsports logo.

 

“That’s cool,” said Harvick. “This is the only musket that I own. Thank you. For me, New Hampshire has been a great place to race. We have a great fan following up here. It’s always a fun place to race in front of those fans that have followed you for so long.”

 

In addition, NHMS will recognize Harvick during his final visit to New England’s only NASCAR weekend with a “Thanks, Kevin” track wall decal just after the start/finish line and by renaming turn four “Harvick 4.”

 

Sunday’s Crayon 301 is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., with coverage starting on USA at 2 p.m. and on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and the Performance Racing Network radio affiliates at 1:30 p.m.

 

In 39 career starts at NHMS, Harvick earned 23 top-10s, 14 top-fives and four wins (2006, 2016, 2018, 2019). The four wins at the 1.058-mile track tie him for most all-time with Jeff Burton, who will lead the field to green as the honorary pace car driver on Sunday.

 

#4EVER @NHMS pic.twitter.com/U3UcTxh5on

— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) July 15, 2023

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Media

New Hampshire Cup Series Race Postponed until Monday

Green Flag Scheduled for noon ET

 

The NASCAR Cup Series race originally scheduled for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET has been postponed because of rain forecast throughout the day in Loudon, New Hampshire.

 

The Crayon 301 was rescheduled for noon ET on Monday, airing live on USA Network, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and the NBC Sports App.

 

The #Crayon301 has been postponed to Monday. Green flag will be at 12 PM ET. https://t.co/4a2zsIX6d6 pic.twitter.com/Sy5tOtYhVA

— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 16, 2023

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell will lead the field to the green flag after winning the Busch Light Pole Award on Saturday. Teammate Martin Truex Jr. will join him on the front row.

 

Note: NASCAR officials had scheduled a test for Monday and Tuesday at the Loudon oval, but made the decision Friday to scrap the sessions in light of the dreary weather forecast. The two-day session to test a rules configuration for potential use in the Cup Series on short tracks and road courses in 2024 was moved to July 31 and Aug. 1 at Richmond Raceway.

 

 

Click Here for New Hampshire Motor Speedway Weather Updates.

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Media

Nemechek Captures First Victory at “The Magic Mile”

New Hampshire Motor Speedway ‘Ambetter Health 200’

 

The NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) makes one annual visit to the Granite State each year, and the latest visit may just have cemented a new championship contender.

 

John Hunter Nemechek avoided several multi-car wrecks and held on through two late restarts, including a green-white-checkered finish on his way to a victory in the Ambetter Health 200 NXS race on Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS).

 

Driving the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, Nemechek collected his NXS-leading fourth win of the season, the sixth of his career and his first at “The Magic Mile.” It was also Joe Gibbs Racing’s 199th career NASCAR victory.

 

“I am so proud of this 20 team,” said Nemechek, who led a race-high 137 laps. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity. Hats off to all of our guys at Joe Gibbs Racing, and a huge shout-out to all of the fans here. I love coming up here [to New Hampshire].”

 

Nemechek, a 26-year-old North Carolina native, was up front much of the way, allowing him to miss several big wrecks throughout the race, including nine-car crash following a restart at lap 70, a three-car spin in turn one on lap 196 that led to the green-white-checkered finish and a two-car collision just after he took the white flag, leading to his victory under caution.

 

That one felt good!✊#TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/lVYQwzvXYm

— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) July 15, 2023

“I was a little worried on the last restart,” said Nemechek, who has raced full-time in all three NASCAR national series. “I didn’t know who was saving what. I’m so thankful to sit behind the wheel of this 20 car.

 

“The goal has been to win races, but that’s very hard to do. There’s some really tough competition for sure. We’re going to do everything we can to be there at the end.”

 

Pole-winner Chandler Smith (10 laps led) finished second, with Austin Hill placing third, Daniel Hemric in fourth and Sammy Smith (stage two winner, 18 laps led) in fifth. Justin Allgaier led 27 laps and won stage one before finishing sixth.

 

“We definitely have some work to do with this package,” said Hill, who trails leader Nemechek by 33 points in the NXS standings. “For us to salvage a third-place finish, with us not having that great of a car, we’ll take it and move on.”

 

Notable finishes among New England natives included Kaz Grala (Boston, Mass.) placing 13th in a backup car following a crash in practice. C.J. McLaughlin (Framingham, Mass.) came in 28th, Parker Kligerman (Greenwich, Conn.) was 32nd and Anthony Alfredo (Ridgefield, Conn.) finished 34th.

 

Nemechek completed the overtime-aided 206-lap event in two hours, 38 minutes, 40 seconds, averaging 82.417 mph with 20 cars finishing on the lead lap. Seven leaders exchanged the lead 13 times with 10 caution periods taking up 60 laps.

 

🏁 @JHNemechek dominates and WINS under caution at @NHMS! pic.twitter.com/76DVIlUiDY

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) July 15, 2023

Gallery

 

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Media

NHMS Driver Appearances Abound

#NASCAR Returns to “The Magic Mile” for the Crayon 301

 

One of the most memorable experiences for fans coming to New England for the Crayon 301 NASCAR weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is seeing the stars of the sport up close on race day. Townies and fans from across the country will have plenty of opportunities to catch their favorite drivers for a picture, autograph or even a fist-bump as the action on track kicks off this weekend at “The Magic Mile.”

 

Below is a list of driver appearances scheduled throughout the weekend:*

 

Saturday, July 15

• Track Walk to benefit the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (pre-registration required)
  • 9 a.m. – Corey Lajoie (NCS)
• “The Magic Mile” Entertainment Stage (Q&A)
  • 10 a.m. – Chris Buescher (NCS)
  • 10:20 a.m. – Dave Dion, Beaver Dragon, Bobby Dragon, Brad Leighton, Andy Santerre and Dave Moody (New England Legends)
• The Groove (Q&A)
  • 10:45 a.m. – Cole Custer (NXS)
  • 11 a.m. – Kaz Grala (NXS)
• New England Legends Display in Fan Zone (Autograph session)
  • 11:20 a.m. – Dave Dion, Beaver Dragon, Bobby Dragon, Brad Leighton, Andy Santerre and Dave Moody
• Toyota Racing Display in Fan Zone (Q&A)
  • 11:20 a.m. – Kaz Grala (NXS)
• Richard Childress Racing Merchandise Trailer (Autograph session)
  • 12:15 p.m. – Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill (NXS)
• JRM Merchandise Trailer (Autograph session)
  • 12:35 p.m. – Josh Berry, Justin Allgaier, Brandon Jones and Sam Mayer (NXS)
• Fan Zone (Autograph session)
  • 2:15 p.m. – All NWMT drivers
• Team Penske Merchandise Hauler (Autograph session for first 75 fans with wrist band)
  • 2:30 p.m. – Ryan Blaney (NCS)
• New England Racing Museum (Autograph session)
  • 3 p.m. – Ryan Preece (NCS)

Sunday, July 16

• Stewart-Haas Racing Merchandise Trailer (Autograph session)
  • 10:15 a.m. – Ryan Preece (NCS)
• "The Magic Mile" Entertainment Stage (Auctioning off autographed item during Wicked Good Live Auction to benefit the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities)
  • 10:45 a.m. – Christopher Bell (NCS)
• Chevrolet Merchandise Trailer (Autograph session)
  • 11 a.m. – Corey Lajoie (NCS)
• com Display in Fan Zone (Q&A)
  • 11 a.m. – Brad Keselowski (NCS)
• "The Magic Mile" Entertainment Stage (Trackside Live Q&As)
  • 11 a.m. – Marcus Smith
  • 11:15 a.m. – Justin Haley (NCS)
  • 11:30 a.m. – Brad Keselowski (NCS)
  • 11:45 a.m. – Ross Chastain (NCS)
• United States Air Force Display in Fan Zone (Meet & Greet)
  • 11:20 a.m. – Erik Jones (NCS)
• Richard Childress Racing Merchandise Trailer (Autograph session)
  • 11:30 a.m. – Austin Dillon (NCS)
• Toyota Racing Display in Fan Zone (Q&A)
  • 11:45 a.m. – Ty Gibbs (NCS)
• Rock Point (Q&A)
  • 12 p.m. – Ty Dillon (NCS)
• The Groove (Q&A)
  • 12:15 p.m. – Michael McDowell (NCS)
• "The Magic Mile" Entertainment Stage (N.H. Lottery Presentation)
  • 12:15 p.m. – Bubba Wallace (NCS)

*Schedule subject to change.

Series Abbreviations:

• NCS | NASCAR Cup Series
• NXS | NASCAR Xfinity Series
• NWMT | NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

 

Tickets:

Log on to NHMS.com for tickets and more information on the weekend’s lineup of action-packed racing. Tickets for Friday Night Dirt Duels start at just $25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Doubleheader Saturday tickets start at just $45 for adults while kids 12 and under are free. Sunday’s Crayon 301 tickets start at just $59 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.

 

Follow Us:

Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), Twitter (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.

Baggin’ and braggin’. 😎 #KidsWin pic.twitter.com/Sw4WvNe2JG

— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 15, 2023

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Media

NASCAR / SRX Race Weekend Recap (NHMS & I-55)

Winners: Christopher Bell (Cup); Justin Allgaier (Xfinity); plus Tony Stewart (SRX)

 

NASCAR Cup

Christopher Bell Lands First Win of Season

 

Christopher Bell has quietly established himself as a New England force over the past three years coming up the NASCAR ranks and on Sunday afternoon, he convincingly earned his biggest triumph to date there, a victory in the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter 301 and a ticket to the 2022 Playoffs.

 

Bell led the last 42 laps of the 301-lapper at the 1.058-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway, claiming the trophy — and the traditional lobster hoist in Victory Lane — with a massive 5.767-second victory over last week‘s race winner Chase Elliott.

 

It‘s only the second NASCAR Cup Series win for the third-year driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota but oh, so significant as it launches the 27-year-old Oklahoman into a provisional postseason berth. The 14th different winner of the season came into the race ranked last among the top 16 drivers that would advance to the Playoffs. Now he has bolstered his hopes of a title run.

 

“Man, that one was much-needed right there,” said Bell, who won three consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series races at the track from 2019-2021 and was runner-up in last year‘s NASCAR Cup Series race there.

 

Big thank you to @rheemracing, @DEWALTtough, @ToyotaRacing, @Yahoo & @JoeGibbsRacing for all the support. We knew we were due. 🏁 #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/OPg6hCq3RQ

— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) July 18, 2022

Pole: Martin Truex Jr

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, July 24 for the M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Justin Allgaier Zooms to Xfinity Series

 

Justin Allgaier prevailed in an action-packed Crayon 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, earning his third victory of the season and a very special birthday present for his wife, Ashley. A race trophy.

 

The driver of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet delivered Chevy’s first win at the 1.058-mile track in 15 years. It’s Allgaier’s third win of the season — coming a comfortable 3.869 seconds ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driver Trevor Bayne, who was trying to earn the JGR team its seventh consecutive New Hampshire win.

 

“We finished second here last year to one (Toyota) and I told these guys I really wanted to win here,’’ said Allgaier, who now has three wins in the last eight races. “This place has been so much fun over the years.’’

 

“First of all, it’s my wife’s birthday, so if I can’t be with my wife on her birthday, the best thing to do is take home a trophy to her. Just proud of the team.”

 

3 wins in his last 8 races, @J_Allgaier.

Don’t sleep on the No. 7 as an #XfinitySeries title contender. pic.twitter.com/9mpo2v3M6I

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) July 16, 2022

Pole: Josh Berry

Click Here for Race Results  

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, July 23 for the Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Trucks Were Off Last Weekend

Siri: 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

💰 @CoreyHeim_
💰 @RyanPreece_
💰 @pkligerman #TheTrip pic.twitter.com/gSrgZJs548

— NASCAR Camping World Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) July 14, 2022

 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, July 23 for the CRC Brakleen 150 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

ARCA

The ARCA Series Did Not Race Last Weekend

#MondayMotivation Who will #Deliver a Smokey Burnout this weekend at @PoconoRaceway? #GeneralTireDelivers200 @ARCA_Racing pic.twitter.com/0ZyzUg3n4a

— General Tire (@GeneralTire) July 18, 2022

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, July 22 for the General Tire Delivers 200 at Pocono Raceway.

 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

Tony Stewart Wins in the Dirt

 

Although it's hard to believe that any dirt track in America is brave enough to keep Tony Stewart out of its winner's circle, a win in a feature race at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 had eluded Smoke entering Saturday night. But even as the biggest wreckfest of the 2022 SRX season ensued, Smoke was able to preserve his spotless record in SRX on dirt and finally check an item off his bucket list.

 

"This place is pretty awesome. Kenny Schrader and these fans are diehard race fans, and you aren't gonna find fans that are any more diehard in this country for late models and modifieds and sprint cars than here at Pevely," Stewart told CBS Sports. "… It's hard. It's been a 90 degree day, it's sunny, windy, everything that kills dirt tracks, and their staff did an awesome job giving us an awesome racetrack there.

 

"I love it when it gets up close to the wall like that. That's when I'm having the most fun."

 

That’s a memory that will last a lifetime. #CampingWorldSRX | @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/uDDvRPBt2t

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 17, 2022

Pole:Tony Stewart

Race Results:

1. #14 - Tony Stewart
2. #98 - Marco Andretti
3. #52 - Ken Schrader
4. #39 - Ryan Newman
   
5. #69 - Greg Biffle
6. #99 - Ernie Francis Jr. 
   
7. #15 - Michael Waltrip
8. #3 - Paul Tracy
9. #38 - Hailie Deegan
10. #6 - Tony Kanaan
11. #18 - Bobby Labonte
    
12. #5 - Matt Kenseth
13. #1 - Ryan Hunter-Reay

 

 

Next Race: The SRX Series’ Season Finale will happen on Saturday, July 23 for the at Sharon Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

An Up and Down Xfinity Debut for Julia Landauer

“I’m so giddy!”

 

This writer and NASCAR fan was very pleased with the joy that Julia Landauer displayed after qualifying for her Xfinity Debut on time.

 

“I’m so giddy!”@julialandauer makes the field and will compete in her first @NASCAR_Xfinity Series race Saturday on @USA_Network.@OnHerTurf // @TeamAlphaPrime pic.twitter.com/HlgRzzkpbg

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 15, 2022

Julia Landauer

Julia, a thirty-year-old New York City native was a fresh prospect in the NASCAR Next class of 2016 – a group that included current Cup Series rookies Harrison Burton and Todd Gilliland, who each made a fairly standard climb to their present-day roles. Landauer’s path was more of a zigzag.

 

Ms. Landauer’s route was not so direct. However, she found a way to get sponsorship and return to the sport. Yesterday was finally her opportunity to compete at a higher level. Julia qualified her #45 Chevrolet in the 32 position for the ‘Crayon 200’ at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

 

“First NASCAR Xfinity race is in the books. We had some highs, like qualifying in on time and passing cars in the beginning of the race! We had some lows, like getting crashed by a leader, doing my best with a broken car, and then making a mistake.”

 

“I learned a lot and am so grateful to my @TeamAlphaPrime guys for working hard to get me back on track all day. I jumped in the deep end and they helped me get up to speed”

 

“Major shouts to @BossBeautiesNFT, @GarageXYZ, and Penta ESP for sponsoring me in my debut, couldn’t have done all this without you.”

 

“Thank you to all of you amazing people who have sent me the most encouraging, warm, and supportive notes I’m so lucky to have you on this journey with me!”

 

“Lastly, thank you to @J_Allgaier for apologizing (I guess we “made it” to victory lane ) and I also apologize to @mattmillsracing for my mistake.”

 

Julia recorded a thirty-six (36) place finish. With her two on-track incidences, her sponsors received plenty of television play time. Hopefully we will get to see her back on track soon.

 

Julia Landauer's @NASCAR_Xfinity Series debut ends early at @NHMS.

Take a look at the contact between her and Justin Allgaier. #NASCAR

📺 : @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/oNq4C8gqQD

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 16, 2022

 

source: NASCAR Media

First Time’s the Charm

#NASCAR's NextGen Car Leveled Playing Field

 

Given how the NextGen car has seemingly leveled the playing field and produced a bevy of first-time winners already this season:

• Austin Cindric
• Chase Briscoe
• Ross Chastain,
• Daniel Suarez
• Tyler Reddick;
  

 - it seems that almost anything is possible when the green flag falls.-

 

Notable drivers who earned their first NCS victory at the 1.058-mile Loudon track include:

• Joe Nemechek
• Robby Gordon
• Ryan Newman
• Clint Bowyer
• Joey Logano. 

 

Could a veteran driver like Corey LaJoie or Ty Dillon finally find his way to victory lane? Or will a future star of the sport like Harrison Burton or Todd Gilliland earn a career-defining first NCS win? Time will tell, but with a history of producing first-time winners, fans certainly shouldn’t count any of them out.

#Ambetter301 Qualifying time. 👀@JoeGibbsRacing | #TheMagicMile pic.twitter.com/AZPf2N3aud

— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 16, 2022

Kurt Busch Eyes Strong Finish at Sunday’s Ambetter 301

 

With seven races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season, Kurt Busch is comfortably in the Playoffs by virtue of a win at Kansas and a consistent season overall for his 23XI Racing team. Now, the three-time winner at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) turns his attention to building momentum ahead of the post season, beginning with Sunday’s Ambetter 301.

 

This weekend marks Busch’s 39th start at “The Magic Mile,” where he has earned 15 top- 10s, eight top-fives and three wins on his career.

 

The 45 has a whole new look. Excited to have @SIRIUSXM on board this weekend at the magic mile! @ToyotaRacing #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/s3FgkCD6L4

— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) July 14, 2022

 

Despite his success at the 1.058-mile track, Busch said there are a lot of different challenges for drivers to overcome in order to make their way to victory lane.

 

“It’s mainly the corner entry and the braking zones at New Hampshire,” he said. “And then, turn three seems to get rougher and rougher each year, just with settling or track aging. It makes it a challenge to carve through there. If you get that right, that usually leads to a good day.”

 

Sunday’s Ambetter 301 marks the debut of NASCAR’s radically-redesigned NCS car at NHMS. Busch recognizes that, despite his past success at NASCAR’s only New England track, teams will be starting from scratch with their notes, which should provide plenty of action on the track as they race to adjust to the challenge of the NextGen car.

 

“As a race unfolds, there are so many challenges with this new car you’ve got to be ready to roll and be quick on your feet,” he said. “The NextGen car, it doesn’t like to be sideways. As soon as you step her out, she’s gone. The old car, you were rewarded with how far you could get her sideways because of the side force and the aero side. It’s a different feel, and it’s been a big challenge this year.”

 

“You’ve just got to stay consistent. You just have to run with the mindset of, ‘we’ve got to be a fifth-place car to put ourselves in position to win, but yet we can’t push too hard to be fifth.’ This car just has that razorblade edge.”

 

If Busch’s 23XI Racing team finds a way to ride that razor’s edge to victory lane on Sunday, he’ll join Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton as the winningest NCS drivers in NHMS history. Perhaps more importantly in his eyes, Busch said a strong run at the Ambetter 301 would provide his team with crucial information ahead of the season finale at Phoenix, a similar style track that will ultimately decide this season’s NCS championship.

 

“Back in the day with the September race (at NHMS), it was the door to a championship run,” he said. “Now you can use it as a sister racetrack to Phoenix. Phoenix is the championship race, and New Hampshire is the same style track – it’s a flat, one-mile track. It’s an important, sneaky race because of how you can use it as prep for a championship run.”

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Ty Dillon Seeking First Career Cup Win at NHMS

 

NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) driver Ty Dillon may still be trying to earn his first trip to victory lane, but the 30-year-old grandson of NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress is hopeful his new Petty GMS team will soon be a race-winning, championship-contending team. 

 

Dillon, the younger brother of current NCS driver Austin Dillon, is looking forward to visiting New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), where he holds an average finish of 19.8, for the July 17 Ambetter 301. Dillon recently spoke to NHMS in advance of New England’s only NCS race. 

 

This is your first season with Petty GMS. Talk about the team and how the season’s going so far.

 

“It’s been a decent start to our year. It’s been really exciting to be racing for Petty GMS. The first half of the year was up and down. We had some highlights, and we had some frustrating moments, but really over the last three weeks, we’ve kind of turned a corner and had some good speed in our race cars and just have had some really bad luck. We had a mechanical issue that took us out of probably having a top-15 day in St. Louis, the tire shed didn’t really fall the way we needed it to in Sonoma, but we had good speed there, and then this weekend, we were really strong and were taken out not to our own doing. Our goal is to continue growing throughout the year and making strides. I think we’re starting to do that, certainly on the speed side of things. We just gotta get the results to fall into place, and we’re going to be right where we want to be and keep growing this program to where it’s a race-winning, championship-contending team.”

 

You come from a strong racing family with your grandfather Richard Childress, your dad Mike Dillon and your brother Austin Dillon. What advice have they given you over the years in how to navigate through your career?

 

“They’ve always been helpful, for sure, and I think my grandfather obviously has probably the most experience in understanding how a NASCAR driver’s career works out, but mostly you learn from watching how everyone else goes about their career on and off the track and what’s successful. I think I’ve done a good job of keeping my eyes and ears open to try to do the best I can and make the most of my career. I’ve had help along the way from good counsel.”

 

You’ve had five starts in the Cup Series at New Hampshire. You have an average finish of 19.8. How do you think the new NextGen car is going to perform here, and what can race fans expect to see from you on July 17?

 

“I think the car is going to perform really well at New Hampshire. I think it fits that style of racetrack very well. To me, I love racing at that speedway. It’s one of my favorite tracks we go to. I don’t know what it is about it, it really fits me, and I’ve had some really strong runs there in the past, so I’m excited to get there in our No. 42 Camaro and see what we can do. I think the fans are in for a really good show.”

 

Speaking of the fans. New England race fans are high-energy, they’re passionate. What does that do to help fuel you as a driver?

 

“Every time the stands are packed and the fans are bringing the energy, it just makes us have that much more juice when the race starts. We feel it, and it’s infectious, and I think it just adds to the race. I think you get better races when you have a bigger crowd. All of us drivers want to do more for a bigger show.”

 

What are some of your favorite stops when you come to New England?

 

“My wife and I like exploring and going out to the lakes and trying to find some new restaurants. We’re always looking for new places. It’s one of our favorite places to go and travel to as a family just because it’s so beautiful up in New Hampshire, and yeah, we’re excited to be there.”

 

 

 

Headed to one of my favorite tracks and areas: @NHMS. @Allegiant | @PettyGMS | @TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/mtASHLIJ5T

— Ty Dillon (@tydillon) July 13, 2022

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Playoff Parity

NASCAR Cup at the “The Magic Mile”

Aric Almirola’s 2021 win at New Hampshire
Motor Speedway secured him a Playoff Spot.

 

Fans headed to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) for the Ambetter 301 NASCAR (NCS) weekend are in for a wicked good time at “The Magic Mile” as drivers take to the track for three full days of action-packed racing this Friday through Sunday, July 15-17. 

 

From the return of Friday Night Dirt Duels Presented by New England Racing Fuel at The Flat Track to NASCAR’s NextGen car making its long-awaited New England debut on Sunday, there will be no shortage of thrilling, white-knuckled excitement for fans to enjoy.

 

Playoff Parity

Only seven active NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) drivers have won at NHMS:

1. Aric Almirola
2. Kurt Busch
3. Kyle Busch
   
4. Denny Hamlin
   
5. Kevin Harvick
   
6. Brad Keselowski
7. Joey Logano
   

 

 

Through the first 19 NCS events this season, 13 different drivers have won points races. While Harvick, Keselowski and Almirola have each had recent success at “The Magic Mile,” having won in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, all three are still winless in 2022, and given the parity in the current NASCAR Playoff picture, a win might be their best chance to race for a championship.

 

With seven regular season events remaining to set the 16-car Playoff field, drivers on and around the cutline are looking to secure their spot with a strong showing at NHMS this weekend.

 

Among the drivers on the bubble, Harvick might be the odds-on favorite to take the checkered flag. His four wins at Loudon tie him with Jeff Burton for the most all-time. While the 58-time NCS winner hasn’t been to victory lane since September 2020, history shows he’s always a strong contender at NHMS. A win at the Ambetter 301 would not only rewrite the NHMS record books, but would also help bolster a potential Playoff run for the 2014 champion.

 

 

source: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The Magic Mile to Host 50th Running of NASCAR Cup Series Race

Joe Gibbs Racing Front Row - Kyle Busch on Pole Joined by Teammate Martin Truex Jr

 

• Next Race: Foxwoods Resort Casino 301  
• The Place: New Hampshire Motor Speedway  
• The Date: Sunday, July 18  
• The Time: 3 p.m. ET TV: NBCSN, 2:30 p.m. ET  
• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio  
• Distance: 318.46 miles (301 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 75)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 185)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 301)

 

#BuschLightApple Contest

Do you want to help design a sweet paint scheme for Kevin Harvick? Whenever the #4 car is in the last 3 laps of a stage, tweet #BuschLightApple #Sweepstakes. 

 

Every new stage is a chance to enter! #Foxwoods301

 

🏁 EVERY TIME THERE’S A SWEET FINISH TODAY...

Enter for your chance to help design a sweet paint scheme for @KevinHarvick’s car.

Whenever the #4 car is in the last 3 laps of a stage, tweet #BuschLightApple #Sweepstakes. Every new stage is a chance to enter! #Foxwoods301 pic.twitter.com/c8yizbiJ8Q

— Busch Beer (@BuschBeer) July 18, 2021

 

Weather Update

The wet weather is currently not cooperating with NASCAR’s  plans. You can stay up-to-date regarding track conditions by following Brian Neudorff on twitter. Brian is unofficial NASCAR Meteorologist, providing accurate forecasts for Cup/ Xfinity/ Trucks each week via Social Media

 

Five Races To Go

With just five races remaining in the regular season in the NASCAR Cup Series time is running thin for drivers to ensure their spot in the Playoffs. Gazing ahead to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, five drivers have already clinched their spots on wins and points with several others having the opportunity to do the same this weekend.

 

The following five drivers have clinched a spot in the Sixteen (16)-driver postseason field: 

1. Kyle Larson 
2. Kyle Busch 
3. Chase Elliott 
4. Martin Truex Jr.
   
5. Alex Bowman
   

 

Track History

The NASCAR Cup Series 2021 regular season schedule is winding down with just five races to go and this weekend the best side-by-side racing in sports heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the 50th running of the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 on July 18 at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

 

Groundbreaking for New Hampshire International Speedway, as New Hampshire Motor Speedway was originally named, was August 13, 1989. The 1.058-mile paved oval is located on approximately 1,200 acres; the multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in New England. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. agreed to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob and Gary Bahre on January 11, 2008, and then renamed the track New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

 

The first NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway was on July 11, 1993 and won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace driving a Team Penske Pontiac (105.947 mph, 02:59:45).

 

There have been forty-nine (49) NASCAR Cup Series races held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway; one per year from 1993 through 1996 and two per year from 1997-2017. In 2018, the track reverted back to just one event per season. The forty-nine (49) NASCAR Cup Series races at New Hampshire have produced twenty-two (22) different pole winners and (twenty-four) 24 different race winners.

 

Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Newman leads the series in poles at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with seven (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2011 sweep, 2013). This weekend’s starting lineups were determined by Metric Qualifying and as a result Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch will start on the pole. Busch will be joined by JGR teammate Martin Truex Jr. on the front row.

 

Sunday schedule! 🎰🏁🦞 #Foxwoods301
📋: https://t.co/XOKjdUGvZs pic.twitter.com/KX5Ns3o6tb

— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021

 

NBC Sports TV Analyst and former driver Jeff Burton (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000) and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick (2006, 2016, 2018, 2019) lead the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with four victories each. Team Penske’s Brad Keselowski is the most recent Cup winner at New Hampshire taking home the trophy last season after putting on a dominant performance of leading 184 of the scheduled 301 laps.

 

.@KevinHarvick and @dennyhamlin put on quite the show in 2019.

Will either find Victory Lane at @NHMS this weekend? pic.twitter.com/BddVbpQTCe

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 18, 2021

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Five Can’t-Miss Things to See and Do at NHMS

Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 Returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway This Weekend

Halfway through the 2021 NASCAR season, there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to watch heading into this weekend’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), but the fun isn’t limited to the on-track action. From taking in the white-knuckled racing from an all-new viewing area to turning laps on the 1.058-mile track before NASCAR’s best battle for the checkered flag, there’s so much in store for fans returning to “The Magic Mile” to make their weekend an experience to remember.

 

Here are a few of the must-dos to help fans maximize their weekend experience:

 

Get to the Point

NHMS’s newest amenity in the wicked awesome Rock Point. Located outside of turn four and featuring a public bar, lawn games, shaded areas and an up-close view of the race cars as they speed toward the finish line, Rock Point is a general admission, open-air viewing option available to all fans with a race ticket. With temperatures expected in the mid-70s on Sunday, Rock Point will be the place to be as the laps wind down and the excitement ramps up.

 

Setting the Bar

Fans looking to upgrade their race-day experience need look no further than the Track Bar. Situated high atop the Main Grandstand on the suite level right above the start/finish line, the Track Bar provides the best sight lines of the speedway in the comfort of a climate-controlled luxury suite with a full cash bar, private restrooms and closed-circuit televisions. Packages include admission to the luxury suite, catered lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. Sunday, fans with Track Bar access will also be treated to a Q&A with Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Newman.

 

Cruisin’ for a Cause

Fans in search of the ultimate thrill have the opportunity to experience “The Magic Mile” from the driver’s perspective as part of Speedway Children’s Charities’ (SCC) Laps for Charity event. For just a $40 donation to the New Hampshire Chapter of SCC, fans can drive three laps in their personal vehicle or ride in the NHMS pace car on Thursday, before NASCAR’s best try to tame the track at Sunday’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301. To learn more about Laps for Charity, or to see more ways fans can support SCC, click here.

 

Asked and Answered

For the first time since the outset of the pandemic, fans will once again have access to some of their favorite drivers during a bevy of question-and-answer sessions through race weekend. Hometown favorites Anthony Alfredo and Ryan Preece are scheduled to join former NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) champion Kevin Harvick and fan-favorite Corey LaJoie for free Q&As on Sunday ahead of the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301. NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) driver Daniel Hemric will take the stage before Saturday’s Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200.

 

Sneak Peek of What’s in Store

Whether you’re traveling to the Granite State from one of 45 other states represented among ticket holders to take in the fun in-person or staying home to catch the pivotal showdown on NBCSN, fans can preview all of the action and get the latest news and information from “The Magic Mile” with this year’s online Race Week Preview Guide.  Read up on some of the biggest moments form the first 49 NCS races at NHMS, study the on-track storylines that could play out Sunday or learn more about the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 pace car driver Gunner Olszewski. Everything fans need to know is right at their fingertips.

 

The excitement gets underway on Doubleheader Saturday, July 17 with practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT). The green flag drops for the Whelen 100 NWMT race at 12:45 p.m. followed by the Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200 NXS race at 3 p.m. The NCS Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 will run at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 18.

 

For a NASCAR race weekend schedule, visit NHMS.com/Events/Foxwoods-Resort-Casino-301/Schedule *Schedule subject to change. 

 

 

source

RIP Bob Bahre

Speedway Motorsports Executive Statements on Passing of New Hampshire Motor Speedway Founder

Following are statements from Speedway Motorsports executives on the passing of New Hampshire Motor Speedway founder Bob Bahre:

Bruton Smith, Speedway Motorsports Executive Chairman:

“Bob Bahre was a true pioneer for motorsports in New England. He wanted to grow our sport and build things that people will remember. He was a smart businessman and I have a lot of respect for that, but I have even more respect for the positive impact he had on people. I’ll pray for Sandy and Gary during this tough time, and I know they are proud of the legacy Bob leaves behind.”

Marcus Smith, Speedway Motorsports President and CEO:

“What I’ll remember most about Bob Bahre will be his character, understated yet charming. Every time I saw him he had on khakis and a white shirt. I always enjoyed our genuine conversations. He was very generous to people in the motorsports industry and to the New England communities where he did business. He went about things in a quiet, dignified manner and often times that simple approach is the most impactful. It’s truly an honor to have known Bob. He lived a meaningful life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. ”

David McGrath, NHMS Executive Vice President and General Manager:

“On behalf of our team at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Sandy, Gary and the entire Bahre family. Bob left an incredible mark on auto racing through the New England region, and his love of motorsports was legendary. He had a passionate commitment to both drivers and race fans, and that commitment was evident when he built our facility in 1990. I am proud to have known Bob. It was a true pleasure to have spent time getting to know him and learning from him over the years. He will be missed, but his legacy of supporting and building motorsports in New England will live on forever.”

Bob Bahre, who owned and spearheaded the development and ran New Hampshire International Speedeay until selling it to Speedway Motorsports after the 2007 season, has died at age 93. Statements from NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports executives: pic.twitter.com/clGun01p4o

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 24, 2020

source

Deeply saddened by the loss of my friend & mentor... Bob Bahre

Bob had a tremendous positive influence on auto racing in New England & its trajectory into ⁦⁦@NASCAR⁩
He built for the fans & worked for the sport!
He had a Profound Impact on my Life... I will miss him 🏁 pic.twitter.com/Rgg2B8iuqx

— Ricky Craven (@RickyCraven32) July 24, 2020

Reddit - NASCAR - Bob Bahre, founder of New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Oxford 250 creator, has passed away https://t.co/9YwG8uJWiv

— Front Row Racing (@row_racing) July 24, 2020

Sitting outside doing some work for #RaceHub tomorrow on gorgeous Sunday morning & started reflecting on the loss of 2 amazing men this week in our world of #NASCAR Bob Bahre & Maurice Petty! #NASCAR is a better sport today because of both of them! Prayers & Thoughts To Families!

— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) July 26, 2020

.@NHMS Founder Bob Bahre Passes Away at 93

Story: https://t.co/EpIjWD9OCW pic.twitter.com/jhUNk0QEeO

— NASCAR Roots (@NASCARRoots) July 24, 2020

NHMS founder Bob Bahre was so cranky one minute and so sweet the next. He could dig in his heels on you to the point that you wanted to fight him, but yet you found yourself always rooting for him. In other words, he was the quintessential New Englander. God speed, sir. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Oaay0GJmMo

— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) July 24, 2020

My thoughts are with the Bahre family. Bob’s efforts to attract motorsports to NH have been a boon to the economy and brought so much enjoyment to local fans. His legacy lives on. Thank you for all the memories. —J.S. https://t.co/VNKdMG3fj5

— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) July 25, 2020

Snocross Makes its Debut at The Flat Track to Kick Off 2020

The Eastern Snocross Tour will kick off the action-packed 2020 lineup at The Flat Track, which also includes American Flat Track, Granite State Legends Cars and the USAC Dirt Midget Association 

The Flat Track at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will kick off its 2020 season in the height of the New England winter with an action-packed snocross event. The Eastern Snocross Tour will make its debut on the snow-covered dirt track when it rips into Loudon February 15-16, marking the first ever winter event on The Flat Track.

"We're looking forward to a full season of racing on our newest racing surface, The Flat Track," said David McGrath, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "As New Englanders, we all know the cold and the snow is inevitable, and many of our fans already embrace the winter months by riding snowmobiles throughout the state. The Flat Track's lineup will give them another reason to love racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway."

This two-day event will be round three of seven in the Eastern Snocross Tour Championship sanctioned by International Snowmobile Racing. Pro riders from around the east coast and beyond will compete in two qualifying rounds prior to the final event, which will be under the lights on Saturday, February 15. The course will include a 100-foot frontstretch triple with a rhythm section on the backstretch that will have the fans on their feet. Youth divisions will also take to the track with riders starting as young as six years old.

Once the snow melts and New Englanders take their motorcycles out of winter storage, the Laconia Short Track, sanctioned by American Flat Track, will return on Saturday, June 13 to kick off Motorcycle Week at NHMS, which continues through Saturday, June 20. 

It’s a winter wonderland at #TheMagicMile ❄️ pic.twitter.com/0s49yrhQTL

— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) December 18, 2019

Friday Night Dirt Duels presented by New England Racing Fuel will kick off the NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 race weekend on Friday, July 17 headlined by the Granite State Legends Cars and the USAC Dirt Midget Association, featuring a night of short track racing on the dirt with NASCAR stars.

The USAC Dirt Midget Association will race on The Flat Track for a second time in 2020 on Friday, September 11 during Full Throttle Fall Weekend with additional events being announced at a later date.

The Flat Track is the first track to be built in New England in the last 25 years. Crews turned roughly 186,095 square feet of ground and 3,000 tons of clay to build the 0.25-mile track which first opened in June 2019. The Flat Track, located directly behind the North East Motor Sports Museum, is the fourth racing surface on New Hampshire Motor Speedway's 1,200 acre property, which already includes the famed 1.058-mile NASCAR oval, 1.6-mile road course and a 0.25-mile mini-oval.

For ticket information for all events at The Flat Track, including the February 15-16, 2020 Eastern Snocross Tour, the June 13, 2020 Laconia Short Track, the July 17, 2020 Friday Night Dirt Duels presented by New England Racing Fuel and the September 11, 2020, visit New Hampshire Motor Speedway's website at NHMS.com or call Fan Relations at (603) 783-4931.

About the Eastern Snocross Tour

The Eastern Snocross Tour was formed by a handful of industry veterans in the fall of 2019. Led by owner Bruce Gaspardi Sr., a respected powersports dealer from western Massachusetts and longtime snocross supporter, the new series is striving to keep this sport alive here in the northeast. For the latest series news, follow Facebook.com/ESXT28.

About American Flat Track

American Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.AmericanFlatTrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events at FansChoice.TV and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

About the Granite State Legends

The Granite State Legends Road Course and Oval Series run as part of the U.S. Legend Cars International. Legend car racing is one of the fastest growing and most affordable types of American motorsports powered by a motorcycle engine and resembles the legendary American automobiles of the 1930s and '40s. Drivers range in age from 12 to 65+ years old. To learn more, visit NHMS.com and click on Local Racing.

About the USAC Dirt Midget Association

The series was formed after seeing a need to bring affordable dirt midget racing back to the Northeast area. The USAC DMA offers a great way to race top notch racecars while keeping a budget friendly division top priority. The series has a very diverse group of drivers and car owners from rookies to seasoned veterans from all disciplines of racing. To learn more about the USAC Dirt Midget Association, please visit the series website at USACDMA.com or on Facebook . 

Source: NHMS PR Official Release

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