New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Location:
Loudon, New Hampshire, USA, USA
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
|
New Hampshire
Nascar Cup
23 - 24 Aug
|
Track Info
New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Loudon, New Hampshire, USA
The Magic Mile - 1.058 mi oval - asphalt - 4 turns - progressive banking 2° to ~7° in corners - 1° straights
First Race
Jul 1990
First oval event was a NASCAR Busch Series race won by Tommy Ellis; the first NASCAR Cup race followed on Jul 11, 1993.
Circuit Length
1.058 mi / 1.703 km
Official NASCAR distance; IndyCar historically used 1.025 mi for timing.
Turns
4
Progressive banking added in 2002 to improve multi-groove racing.
Lap Records
Outright 0:21.466 - Andre Ribeiro (CART quali, 1995) • IndyCar race lap 0:22.3481 - Scott Dixon (2011) • NASCAR Cup race lap 0:29.862 - Brad Keselowski (2021)
The mile’s outright speed marks come from high-downforce open-wheel machinery; modern Cup race-lap best set in 2021.
When was the track built?
Constructed in 1989–1990 on the site of Bryar Motorsports Park, NHMS debuted with a 1.058 mi oval and a 1.6 mi road course. Banking revisions in 2002 created today’s 2° to ~7° progressive profile, with SAFER barriers added in 2003.
When was its first race?
The oval’s first race was a NASCAR Busch Series event in July 1990 won by Tommy Ellis. The venue hosted its first NASCAR Cup race on July 11, 1993, won by Rusty Wallace.
What’s the circuit like?
- Flat-mile chess: Patience on entry and drive off the corner matter more than raw power.
- Progressive lanes: The widened surface and staggered banking let drivers work high or low in traffic.
- Quali vs race pace: Cup qualifying records have topped 140 mph, but race laps are ~30 seconds as tyre wear and traffic build.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Outright (qualifying): 0:21.466 - Andre Ribeiro - Reynard 95I - CART - 1995.
- NASCAR Cup - qualifying track record: 27.090 s - 140.598 mph - Brad Keselowski - Sep 2014.
- NASCAR Cup - race lap: 0:29.862 - Brad Keselowski - 2021.
- IndyCar - race lap: 0:22.3481 - Scott Dixon - 2011.
Why go?
The Magic Mile rewards racecraft. You’ll see crossovers into Turn 1, long green runs with strategy swings, and late-race restarts that decide everything. New England crowds add atmosphere without giant-campus hassles.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 lower: Brake-point duels on restarts.
- Turn 2 exit: Momentum check - who rotated the center best.
- Frontstretch upper rows: Pit road, timing lines, and the whole mile in view.
Not just one series - headline events
NASCAR Cup: Mobil 1 301 has run since 1993, recently as a playoff Round of 12 opener.
Indy cars: CART 1992–1995 and IRL/IndyCar 1996–1998, 2011.
Motorcycles: Home of the Loudon Classic, the oldest U.S. motorcycle race.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Loudon, New Hampshire
Best options are driving via NH Route 106 to the Main - North - South entrances, using free general parking or purchasing Premium - Tailgate options, and using the on property tram routes from outer lots. Rideshare pick-up - drop-off is at the Main Office just inside the Main Entrance.
Address - sat nav
1122 Route 106 North, Loudon, NH 03307
Official address - GPS coordinates provided on the directions page.
General parking
Free - multiple day lots
Free GA parking with attendants routing you based on approach. Lots open early on race weekend.
Paid options
Premium - Village Green - Overlook
Enter via the Main Entrance for Premium - VIP - ADA. Village Green - Overlook via TV Entrance as signed.
Trams
Blue - Red - Green routes
Current parking map shows color tram loops connecting lots to gates.
Rideshare
Main Office at Main Entrance
Uber - Lyft pick-up - drop-off by taking the immediate left inside the Main Entrance off Route 106.
Public transport - limited direct service
- No rail - city bus to the gates: Plan to drive or use rideshare to the Main Office zone during NASCAR weekend.
Driving - Route 106 with directional entrances
- From the south: Use the South Entrance for GA day parking on Friday - Saturday; on Sunday GA from the south also uses the South Entrance.
- From the north: Use the North Entrance for GA day parking on Sunday.
- Premium - ADA: Proceed to the Main Entrance for Premium - VIP - ADA access.
- Maps: Grab the latest Parking Map and Facility - Track Maps for gate numbers, tram stops and walking routes.
Parking - free GA plus paid - ADA options
- General parking: Free in signed lots off the North - South entrances with attendants directing vehicles.
- Premium - Tailgate: Premium, S1 Lot, Village Green Tailgate and Overlook Tailgate Hill require passes and specific entrances noted on the map.
- Accessible parking: ADA parking through the Main Entrance per current map notes.
Trams - color coded loops from lots to gates
- Blue - Red - Green: These tram routes connect outer lots to entry plazas - consult the 2025 parking map for stop locations.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Set destination: Main Office - NHMS. Enter the Main Entrance and take the immediate left as signed to the rideshare zone.
- Post race traffic flows north or south by lot designation - allow extra time for pickup.
Walking from lots - tram assists
- Outer lots: Expect 10 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on lot. Use the tram stops to shorten distances to the gates.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Manchester-Boston MHT or Boston Logan BOS: Both serve the region. From there, rent a car or use rideshare to Loudon via I-93 - Route 106. General travel guidance. Check live traffic on race morning.
About the venue - quick context
- 1.058 mile oval - "The Magic Mile": Facility - track maps show entrances, tram stops, tailgate hills and ADA services to plan arrival.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: Route 106 to South or North Entrances as signed for GA, Main Entrance for Premium - ADA.
- Trams: use the Blue - Red - Green loops from lots to gates.
- Rideshare: Main Office zone just inside the Main Entrance.
- Exact address: 1122 Route 106 North, Loudon, NH 03307.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Loudon - Merrimack Valley - Lakes Region (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity, Whelen Modified Tour, ARCA East, motorcycle events during Laconia Motorcycle Week, club days or a track tour, this fan friendly complex known as The Magic Mile sits between Concord and the Lakes Region - perfect for science museums, state parks, lake towns and White Mountain day trips when the track is quiet.
Motorsport at NHMS
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - ARCA East - Whelen Modified - Motorcycle - Club
1.058 mile oval with an infield road course configuration plus an on site 0.25 mile flat track used for dirt motorcycle racing on select dates.
Typical peak windows
June - September
Summer Cup weekend and Laconia Motorcycle Week in June anchor the calendar. Spring - fall bring comfortable temps for outdoor add ons.
Nearby hubs
Concord - Manchester - Portsmouth - Lakes Region - White Mountains - Boston
Most city museums are 20 - 60 minutes. Lake Winnipesaukee and Franconia Notch are popular day trips.
Event impact
Busy US-106 - I-93 corridors
Race weeks fill local hotels and lakeside towns. Restaurant reservations help Friday - Sunday in Concord - Tilton - Laconia.
Family friendly highlights near the speedway
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center - Concord: Space science galleries and a planetarium named for New Hampshire astronauts.
- SEE Science Center - Manchester: Hands on exhibits and a giant LEGO millyard model for a weather proof morning.
- Canobie Lake Park - Salem: Classic New England amusement park with coasters and family rides summer through fall.
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - Holderness: Nature trails with native wildlife exhibits - great with kids.
- Polar Caves Park - Rumney: Boardwalks and boulder caves to squeeze through on hot days - wear grippy shoes.
- NHMS tours - karting: Check for occasional speedway tours or arrive and drive karting programs on non conflicting dates.
Museums and parks may use timed entry on peak weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Currier Museum of Art - Manchester: American and European collections plus rotating shows.
- Canterbury Shaker Village - Canterbury: Living history buildings, craft demos and gentle hillside walks.
- Strawbery Banke Museum - Portsmouth: Waterfront historic neighborhood with costumed interpreters.
- USS Albacore Museum - Portsmouth: Tour a retired submarine - a compact, memorable stop.
- New Hampshire Historical Society - Concord: Regional history galleries in a handsome granite building.
Eat and drink like a local
- Seacoast - lake staples: Lobster rolls, fried clams and chowder show up from Concord north to Laconia and in Portsmouth if you add a coastal run.
- Maple and farm stands: Look for maple soft serve, cider donuts and berry u pick in season around Loudon - Canterbury - Belmont.
- Diner breakfasts: Big plates and coffee along US-106 and in Concord for early gate mornings.
- Breweries - patios: Family friendly taprooms in Concord, Manchester and Portsmouth often host food trucks. Always designate a driver.
- Race week tip: Prime Friday - Saturday tables in Concord, Tilton outlets area and lake towns book up on Cup weekend and during Motorcycle Week - reserve or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Bear Brook State Park - Allenstown: Lakes, beaches and shaded forest loops only 25 - 40 minutes from the paddock.
- Pawtuckaway State Park - Nottingham: Boulders, ponds and family friendly trails - rent kayaks on calm mornings.
- Mount Major - Alton Bay: Short but steep hike with wide views over Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Winnipesaukee - Weirs Beach - Meredith: Boardwalks, ice cream stops and boat cruises for low effort lake time.
- Rail trails: Northern Rail Trail segments near Concord - Boscawen are flat and stroller friendly.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- White Mountains - Franconia Notch - 70 to 110 minutes. Flume Gorge boardwalks, Cannon Mountain tram in season and classic overlooks.
- Mount Washington area - 90 to 130 minutes. Cog Railway or Auto Road on clear days - bring layers for summit wind.
- Portsmouth - Seacoast loop - 60 to 80 minutes. Strawbery Banke, Prescott Park gardens and beach time at Rye.
- Boston sampler - 70 to 100 minutes. Museum of Science, Freedom Trail and Public Garden swan boats if you add a city day.
- Kancamagus Highway - 90 to 120 minutes. Scenic pullouts and short river walks - spectacular in foliage season.
- Lake Sunapee - 50 to 80 minutes. State park beach, lighthouse boat tours and easy lakeside strolls.
Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Some gorges, summit trips and cruises use dated tickets or close lots when full on peak days.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer NASCAR weekend and June Motorcycle Week draw the biggest crowds. Hotels from Concord to the Lakes Region fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Classic New England. Warm days and cool nights June - September with pop up thunderstorms, colorful foliage late September - October, cold snowy winters. Pack sunscreen, a hat, light layers and a compact rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Black flies - mosquitoes are active in late spring near woods and water. Foliage season brings added demand for cabins and inns.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Major weekends feature midway displays, driver intros and kids zones. Some tours or experiences pause or run special hours.
- Clear bag - cooler rules: Many oval events allow clear bags and small soft coolers within size limits. Always check current policies before packing.
- Sun - showers: Grandstands and hill areas are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes, sunglasses and a compact umbrella for sun or a quick shower.
- Traffic patterns: US-106 and I-93 interchanges back up before - after sessions. Consider an early dinner in Concord or a lakeside stop at Weirs Beach while traffic thins.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, insect repellent for lake - forest stops, light rain layer and grippy shoes for bleachers and rocky trails.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official speedway, state park and venue sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Loudon, New Hampshire, USA, USA
Track Info
New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Loudon, New Hampshire, USA
The Magic Mile - 1.058 mi oval - asphalt - 4 turns - progressive banking 2° to ~7° in corners - 1° straights
First Race
Jul 1990
First oval event was a NASCAR Busch Series race won by Tommy Ellis; the first NASCAR Cup race followed on Jul 11, 1993.
Circuit Length
1.058 mi / 1.703 km
Official NASCAR distance; IndyCar historically used 1.025 mi for timing.
Turns
4
Progressive banking added in 2002 to improve multi-groove racing.
Lap Records
Outright 0:21.466 - Andre Ribeiro (CART quali, 1995) • IndyCar race lap 0:22.3481 - Scott Dixon (2011) • NASCAR Cup race lap 0:29.862 - Brad Keselowski (2021)
The mile’s outright speed marks come from high-downforce open-wheel machinery; modern Cup race-lap best set in 2021.
When was the track built?
Constructed in 1989–1990 on the site of Bryar Motorsports Park, NHMS debuted with a 1.058 mi oval and a 1.6 mi road course. Banking revisions in 2002 created today’s 2° to ~7° progressive profile, with SAFER barriers added in 2003.
When was its first race?
The oval’s first race was a NASCAR Busch Series event in July 1990 won by Tommy Ellis. The venue hosted its first NASCAR Cup race on July 11, 1993, won by Rusty Wallace.
What’s the circuit like?
- Flat-mile chess: Patience on entry and drive off the corner matter more than raw power.
- Progressive lanes: The widened surface and staggered banking let drivers work high or low in traffic.
- Quali vs race pace: Cup qualifying records have topped 140 mph, but race laps are ~30 seconds as tyre wear and traffic build.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Outright (qualifying): 0:21.466 - Andre Ribeiro - Reynard 95I - CART - 1995.
- NASCAR Cup - qualifying track record: 27.090 s - 140.598 mph - Brad Keselowski - Sep 2014.
- NASCAR Cup - race lap: 0:29.862 - Brad Keselowski - 2021.
- IndyCar - race lap: 0:22.3481 - Scott Dixon - 2011.
Why go?
The Magic Mile rewards racecraft. You’ll see crossovers into Turn 1, long green runs with strategy swings, and late-race restarts that decide everything. New England crowds add atmosphere without giant-campus hassles.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Turn 1 lower: Brake-point duels on restarts.
- Turn 2 exit: Momentum check - who rotated the center best.
- Frontstretch upper rows: Pit road, timing lines, and the whole mile in view.
Not just one series - headline events
NASCAR Cup: Mobil 1 301 has run since 1993, recently as a playoff Round of 12 opener.
Indy cars: CART 1992–1995 and IRL/IndyCar 1996–1998, 2011.
Motorcycles: Home of the Loudon Classic, the oldest U.S. motorcycle race.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Loudon, New Hampshire
Best options are driving via NH Route 106 to the Main - North - South entrances, using free general parking or purchasing Premium - Tailgate options, and using the on property tram routes from outer lots. Rideshare pick-up - drop-off is at the Main Office just inside the Main Entrance.
Address - sat nav
1122 Route 106 North, Loudon, NH 03307
Official address - GPS coordinates provided on the directions page.
General parking
Free - multiple day lots
Free GA parking with attendants routing you based on approach. Lots open early on race weekend.
Paid options
Premium - Village Green - Overlook
Enter via the Main Entrance for Premium - VIP - ADA. Village Green - Overlook via TV Entrance as signed.
Trams
Blue - Red - Green routes
Current parking map shows color tram loops connecting lots to gates.
Rideshare
Main Office at Main Entrance
Uber - Lyft pick-up - drop-off by taking the immediate left inside the Main Entrance off Route 106.
Public transport - limited direct service
- No rail - city bus to the gates: Plan to drive or use rideshare to the Main Office zone during NASCAR weekend.
Driving - Route 106 with directional entrances
- From the south: Use the South Entrance for GA day parking on Friday - Saturday; on Sunday GA from the south also uses the South Entrance.
- From the north: Use the North Entrance for GA day parking on Sunday.
- Premium - ADA: Proceed to the Main Entrance for Premium - VIP - ADA access.
- Maps: Grab the latest Parking Map and Facility - Track Maps for gate numbers, tram stops and walking routes.
Parking - free GA plus paid - ADA options
- General parking: Free in signed lots off the North - South entrances with attendants directing vehicles.
- Premium - Tailgate: Premium, S1 Lot, Village Green Tailgate and Overlook Tailgate Hill require passes and specific entrances noted on the map.
- Accessible parking: ADA parking through the Main Entrance per current map notes.
Trams - color coded loops from lots to gates
- Blue - Red - Green: These tram routes connect outer lots to entry plazas - consult the 2025 parking map for stop locations.
Rideshare - taxi - set downs
- Set destination: Main Office - NHMS. Enter the Main Entrance and take the immediate left as signed to the rideshare zone.
- Post race traffic flows north or south by lot designation - allow extra time for pickup.
Walking from lots - tram assists
- Outer lots: Expect 10 - 25 minute stewarded walks depending on lot. Use the tram stops to shorten distances to the gates.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Manchester-Boston MHT or Boston Logan BOS: Both serve the region. From there, rent a car or use rideshare to Loudon via I-93 - Route 106. General travel guidance. Check live traffic on race morning.
About the venue - quick context
- 1.058 mile oval - "The Magic Mile": Facility - track maps show entrances, tram stops, tailgate hills and ADA services to plan arrival.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: Route 106 to South or North Entrances as signed for GA, Main Entrance for Premium - ADA.
- Trams: use the Blue - Red - Green loops from lots to gates.
- Rideshare: Main Office zone just inside the Main Entrance.
- Exact address: 1122 Route 106 North, Loudon, NH 03307.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Loudon - Merrimack Valley - Lakes Region (USA)
Whether you are here for NASCAR Cup - Xfinity, Whelen Modified Tour, ARCA East, motorcycle events during Laconia Motorcycle Week, club days or a track tour, this fan friendly complex known as The Magic Mile sits between Concord and the Lakes Region - perfect for science museums, state parks, lake towns and White Mountain day trips when the track is quiet.
Motorsport at NHMS
NASCAR Cup - Xfinity - ARCA East - Whelen Modified - Motorcycle - Club
1.058 mile oval with an infield road course configuration plus an on site 0.25 mile flat track used for dirt motorcycle racing on select dates.
Typical peak windows
June - September
Summer Cup weekend and Laconia Motorcycle Week in June anchor the calendar. Spring - fall bring comfortable temps for outdoor add ons.
Nearby hubs
Concord - Manchester - Portsmouth - Lakes Region - White Mountains - Boston
Most city museums are 20 - 60 minutes. Lake Winnipesaukee and Franconia Notch are popular day trips.
Event impact
Busy US-106 - I-93 corridors
Race weeks fill local hotels and lakeside towns. Restaurant reservations help Friday - Sunday in Concord - Tilton - Laconia.
Family friendly highlights near the speedway
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center - Concord: Space science galleries and a planetarium named for New Hampshire astronauts.
- SEE Science Center - Manchester: Hands on exhibits and a giant LEGO millyard model for a weather proof morning.
- Canobie Lake Park - Salem: Classic New England amusement park with coasters and family rides summer through fall.
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - Holderness: Nature trails with native wildlife exhibits - great with kids.
- Polar Caves Park - Rumney: Boardwalks and boulder caves to squeeze through on hot days - wear grippy shoes.
- NHMS tours - karting: Check for occasional speedway tours or arrive and drive karting programs on non conflicting dates.
Museums and parks may use timed entry on peak weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Currier Museum of Art - Manchester: American and European collections plus rotating shows.
- Canterbury Shaker Village - Canterbury: Living history buildings, craft demos and gentle hillside walks.
- Strawbery Banke Museum - Portsmouth: Waterfront historic neighborhood with costumed interpreters.
- USS Albacore Museum - Portsmouth: Tour a retired submarine - a compact, memorable stop.
- New Hampshire Historical Society - Concord: Regional history galleries in a handsome granite building.
Eat and drink like a local
- Seacoast - lake staples: Lobster rolls, fried clams and chowder show up from Concord north to Laconia and in Portsmouth if you add a coastal run.
- Maple and farm stands: Look for maple soft serve, cider donuts and berry u pick in season around Loudon - Canterbury - Belmont.
- Diner breakfasts: Big plates and coffee along US-106 and in Concord for early gate mornings.
- Breweries - patios: Family friendly taprooms in Concord, Manchester and Portsmouth often host food trucks. Always designate a driver.
- Race week tip: Prime Friday - Saturday tables in Concord, Tilton outlets area and lake towns book up on Cup weekend and during Motorcycle Week - reserve or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Bear Brook State Park - Allenstown: Lakes, beaches and shaded forest loops only 25 - 40 minutes from the paddock.
- Pawtuckaway State Park - Nottingham: Boulders, ponds and family friendly trails - rent kayaks on calm mornings.
- Mount Major - Alton Bay: Short but steep hike with wide views over Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Winnipesaukee - Weirs Beach - Meredith: Boardwalks, ice cream stops and boat cruises for low effort lake time.
- Rail trails: Northern Rail Trail segments near Concord - Boscawen are flat and stroller friendly.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- White Mountains - Franconia Notch - 70 to 110 minutes. Flume Gorge boardwalks, Cannon Mountain tram in season and classic overlooks.
- Mount Washington area - 90 to 130 minutes. Cog Railway or Auto Road on clear days - bring layers for summit wind.
- Portsmouth - Seacoast loop - 60 to 80 minutes. Strawbery Banke, Prescott Park gardens and beach time at Rye.
- Boston sampler - 70 to 100 minutes. Museum of Science, Freedom Trail and Public Garden swan boats if you add a city day.
- Kancamagus Highway - 90 to 120 minutes. Scenic pullouts and short river walks - spectacular in foliage season.
- Lake Sunapee - 50 to 80 minutes. State park beach, lighthouse boat tours and easy lakeside strolls.
Times are door to door estimates and rise on headline weekends. Some gorges, summit trips and cruises use dated tickets or close lots when full on peak days.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer NASCAR weekend and June Motorcycle Week draw the biggest crowds. Hotels from Concord to the Lakes Region fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Classic New England. Warm days and cool nights June - September with pop up thunderstorms, colorful foliage late September - October, cold snowy winters. Pack sunscreen, a hat, light layers and a compact rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Black flies - mosquitoes are active in late spring near woods and water. Foliage season brings added demand for cabins and inns.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Major weekends feature midway displays, driver intros and kids zones. Some tours or experiences pause or run special hours.
- Clear bag - cooler rules: Many oval events allow clear bags and small soft coolers within size limits. Always check current policies before packing.
- Sun - showers: Grandstands and hill areas are exposed. Bring refillable bottles, electrolytes, sunglasses and a compact umbrella for sun or a quick shower.
- Traffic patterns: US-106 and I-93 interchanges back up before - after sessions. Consider an early dinner in Concord or a lakeside stop at Weirs Beach while traffic thins.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, insect repellent for lake - forest stops, light rain layer and grippy shoes for bleachers and rocky trails.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official speedway, state park and venue sites for your exact dates.
