NASCAR returns to New England, offering traditional giant lobster as prize

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.”

#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.

“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.