The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is one of the most recognizable racetracks in the world. It is located in Loudon, New Hampshire, just outside of Boston. The track has been around since 1899 and it is still considered one of the premiere speedways in North America. It is nicknamed the “Spicy Horse” due to its location near the town of Salem. The track itself is oval-shaped and it has a capacity of over 160,000 spectators. In addition to NASCAR racing, the track also hosts various IndyCar Series races and concerts. It is definitely one of the most fascinating racetracks to visit if you are a fan of motorsports.
Why Should You Visit New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is located in the heart of the Northeast. In fact, the state is often referred to as the ‘Home of American Industry.’ What does that mean to you? Well, it means there is lots of opportunity for your average tourist to get a taste of American innovation and entrepreneurship. There are lots of famous companies that were either founded or based out of New Hampshire, including:
- Citibank
- Dodge
- ExxonMobil
- Piper Aircraft
- Red Ventures
- Sun Microsystems
- UPS
So, if you love business, you should definitely consider New Hampshire as a destination. In fact, you could start your own business while you are there! One of the best things about New Hampshire is its gorgeous leaves changing color in the fall. The state is covered in miles of thick forest, which makes the scenery breathtaking. If you get the chance, you should definitely visit New Hampshire during the fall to see the leaves turning. It is one of the most beautiful seasons in the state.
The History Of The Track
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway has a rich racing history. It started out as a dirt track and it was the first professional sports team in New Hampshire. The team was actually a combination of the New York Metropolitans and Boston Brahmans. The original name of the track was ‘New York City Gardens’ and it was later renamed ‘Brooklyn Park.’ The name was changed to the ‘New Hampshire Motor Speedway‘ in 1927. One of the first major racing events staged at the track was the ‘Great Boston Race’ in 1899. The 100-mile race was attended by over 25,000 people and it was held in honor of Henry Ford. Another famous event that was held at the track was the ‘Trial of the Century’ in 1936. The ‘Trial of the Century’ was a 100-mile race that was attended by over 125,000 spectators and it was the first time that cars were allowed to enter Salem, New Hampshire. The track was also the site of the famous 1941 Massachusetts-New Hampshire Game. The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees met in the season finale of their respective seasons and it was the largest crowd that had ever attended a regular season game up to that point. It was a memorable event and it helped draw attention to the track – especially since baseball was played partly on the infield and partly in the outfield. The attendance for that one game was over 70,000 people!
How To Get There
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is located in Loudon, New Hampshire, which is just outside of Boston. From Boston, take the Mass Pike (I90) south to Exit 15B. Turn right at the top of the ramp and follow the directions to the track. There is also an Amtrak stop located directly outside the track’s Gate B. You can connect to the nearest rail system and take a ride to the track for a nominal fee.
If you are coming from the north, take the Mass Pike (I90) to Exit 15B and follow the directions to the track. If you are coming from the south, take I95 to Exit 15 and follow the signs to the track.
The Layout Of The Track
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a flat, straight road. It is 3.9 miles long and it has a bit of a bumpy finish. The track is covered with a bitumen surface and it is lined with grandstands. There is also an infield with a concession stand, restrooms, and a merchandise shop. The entire racing complex is surrounded by a road that allows for easy access to the parking lot. The seating area is organized in a crescent shape with the grandstands in the center and the outer sections made up of bleacher-type seating. There is also a small stage at the back of the grandstands. The stage isn’t used very often these days, but it is still there and it has a very cool vintage radio-telephone game that was used in the ’50s. It is still a functioning phone and it works perfectly!
When it comes to NASCAR, oval tracks are the way to go. That is especially true at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway since it is an ‘oval’ track. The vehicles drive around the inside of the track, which makes for more spectacular racing. The corners are tight and there is less room for error. That also means there is less chance of a serious accident.
The Food
The food at the track is really good. It is mostly seafood and it is served in traditional New England restaurants. You will find lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, sea bass, mussels, and other sea creatures on the menu. You won’t go wrong with any of the food choices since it is really good. The restaurants near the track are known for their seafood and they always seem to be packed with people, which means the food must be good.
Night Life
The night life at the track is pretty bad. There aren’t really any bars or restaurants near the track and there aren’t any places to sit down and have a drink. The best thing you can find are popcorn machines at the concession stands. It is hard to find something more American than hot popcorn and a movie at night – especially during the summer months. You should definitely come during the day to catch a racing event since it gets dark earlier than usual at night in the summertime. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy a day at the track. The next evening race is usually held in the afternoon so you can get an early night’s sleep and make it to the track before the gates close. It is definitely not a place to be after dark, especially since it gets really cold and damp there in the fall and winter. The good thing is that there is a small bed and breakfast directly across the street from the track that you can stay in. You can also rent a vacation home nearby and you can really let the kids run wild during the day while you work on taking in a movie at night. It is a great alternative to a traditional hotel stay and it gives you a more home-like feel when traveling to the track.
Attend A Race
If you are a true fan of NASCAR, then you should attend a race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is one of the premier racing tracks in the nation and it certainly deserves your attention. There are various races throughout the year and you can see the schedule here. You can also find information about the race at your local library. The best time to attend a race is the fall since that is when the season kicks off and the racing is spectacular. There are also several fundraisers that are held throughout the year for various charities, which gives you an opportunity to connect to the community while you are there. You can’t miss out on the opportunity to see some high-speed racing, which is a quintessential part of any race fans’ experience.
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a great place to visit if you are a fan of NASCAR or if you are a business owner looking for an opportunity to grow your business. The track is easily accessible and it is close to Boston, which makes it convenient for those traveling from the east or west coast. In addition, the scenery is lovely and it is a perfect escape for those looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the everyday world. The locals are also very friendly and welcoming, which makes your stay experience even more pleasant. If you have the chance, you should definitely visit New Hampshire during the fall to see the amazing foliage change color. You won’t regret it.