LOUDON, NH (WWLP) – The NASCAR Cup Series will return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend.
New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is also known as the Magic Mile. As we get ready for the next NASCAR weekend, here are four things to know about Loudon:
#1 New Hampshire is New England’s only NASCAR weekend
What’s more New England than lobster right? That’s exactly what the winner on Sunday gets.
General Manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway David McGrath said, “Loudon the Lobster is usually a 24-25 pound monster. And it is a unique, unique trophy. Probably the most unique in all of NASCAR.”
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#2 The NASCAR Cup Series made its first visit to what has become known as “The Magic Mile” in 1993
The length of the track is 1.058 mi (1.703 km), making it just over a mile per lap.
“The Magic Mile goes back to the early owners of our speedway. They actually went to Disney World to learn about customer service and how to make sure people have a great experience at the Magic Mile,” said McGrath.
#3 Fan experience
There’s a full lineup of events from a Fan Zone to live music and fireworks. People are already camping out at the track enjoying the days leading up to the race including Saturday’s double header of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race followed by the Whelen Modified Tour Race.
“People are going to need some days off when they get home to rest because they are going to need it! They are going to have a lot of racing, a lot of energy,” said McGrath.
#4 New Hampshire is a flat track
The Loudon track’s corners feature a maximum banking of just seven degrees.
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“Nobody just comes to NHMS and dominates our race. You really have to qualify well, position yourself well, have great pit strategy during the race,” said McGrath.
Race weekend in Loudon goes from Friday to Sunday.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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