September 2011 Race Winner: #14-Tony Stewart, 116.679mph, started 20th

July 2011 Race Winner: #39-Ryan Newman, 104.100mph, started 1st

Race Speed Record: Jeff Burton, 117.134, 7/13/1997

Slowest Race Record: Ricky Rudd, 87.619, 7/1994

Oldest Winner: Mark Martin, 50 years, 8 months, 10 days, 9/20/2009

Youngest Winner: Joey Logano, 19 years, 1 month, 4 days, 6/28/2009

September 2011 Pole Sitter: #39-Ryan Newman, 135.002mph, finished 25th

July 2011 Pole Sitter: #39-Ryan Newman, 135.232mph, finished 1st

Track Qualifying Record: Ryan Newman, 135.232mph, 7/17/2011

Oldest Pole Winner: Bill Elliott, 46 years, 9 months, 13 days, 7/21/2002

Youngest Pole Winner: Brian Vickers, 21 years, 8 months, 23 days, 7/17/2005

Worst Starting Spot to Win: Jeff Burton, started 38th [provisional], 7/1999

Most Wins: 4 - Jeff Burton (5 drivers have 3)

Most Poles: 6 - Ryan Newman; 3 - Jeff Gordon

Most Top 5s: 15 - Jeff Gordon; 14 - Tony Stewart

Most Top 10s: 19 - Jeff Gordon; 16 - Tony Stewart

Most Lead Changes: 23 - twice, most recently 7/21/2002

Fewest Lead Changes: 1 - 9/17/2000

Most Leaders: 15, 7/14/1996 & 9/25/2011

Fewest Leaders: 1 - 9/17/2000

Most Cautions: 17, 7/10/1994

Fewest Cautions: 2 - 7/13/1997

Most Caution Laps: 79, 5/2/2009

Fewest Caution Laps: 10 - 7/13/1997

Most Finishers on a lead lap: 30, 7/21/2002

Fewest Finishers on a lead lap: 7 - 7/11/1993

Most Running at the Finish: 43, 9/16/2007

Fewest Running at the Finish: 30 - twice, most recently 9/17/2000

Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 300 [of 300], Jeff Burton, 9/17/2000

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 2, Jeff Burton, 7/11/1999

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 17 - Chevy

Only four drivers: only four drivers have completed in all 33 Sprint Cup races held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the first race in 1993: #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], #31-Jeff Burton [4], #47-Bobby Labonte [0] and #87-Joe Nemechek [1].(9-25-2011)

September 16, 2007's Cup race at New Hampshire was the first time all 43 cars that started a Sprint Cup race finished it since NASCAR mandated the 43-car rule in 1998.

F.W. Webb to sponsor New Hampshire race: Over the last three years, they have sponsored races in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and Camping World Truck Series, as well as the most posh and expensive bathroom in New Hampshire. Now, in its fourth year with New Hampshire Motor Speedway, F.W. Webb Company is piping in again. The Northeast's largest plumbing, heating, cooling and industrial supplies distributor has signed on as the official title sponsor for the July 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, the F.W. Webb 200. "F.W. Webb has become a key fixture here at the speedway," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of NHMS. "In addition to the sponsorships, they have been an integral part of our building and renovation projects over the past four years. Through their great products and support, they are literally helping build a better New Hampshire Motor Speedway for our guests. This is a great example of a true business-to-business partnership. NHMS and F.W. Webb Company have been in partnership since signing a multi-year deal back in 2009. Since then, F.W. Webb Company has sponsored two Whelen Modified Tour races (a third this September named the F.W. Webb 100), a Camping World Truck Series race and Frank Webb's Bath House, a mammoth on-site bathhouse for race fans. It has also helped supply materials for millions of dollars in renovations throughout the speedway facility.(NHMS)(5-18-2012)

Casino in Loudon promoted: The New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Route 106 in Loudon, NH is among the largest sports and entertainment venues in New England, drawing 600,000 patrons a year, hosting the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events held in the region, as well as numerous other events. “This would seem to be the natural place for New Hampshire to put a casino,” said the speedway's general manager, Jerry Gappens. “We're already bringing thousands of people in here regularly, and over the years, I think we've proven we can handle it.” State lawmakers, in part responding to the advent of casino gambling in Maine and Massachusetts, held a hearing recently to consider amending the already controversial legislation, House Bill 593, that would allow casino gambling in the state. The amendment could double the originally proposed two casinos to four, allowing for one large casino with up to 150 table games and 5,000 slot machines, while the others could have up to 60 table games and 2,000 slots. The bill goes before a committee next week. It won't come before the full House for a vote until March, after the Legislature's winter break. In a letter to lawmakers, Gappens expressed a “strong and sincere interest” in expanding the speedway into a gambling facility on the speedway's 11,000 acres. Gappens, speaking from his speedway office Thursday, said the positive gains for the town, the region and the state make it the ideal site for a casino. “The opportunities and vision for this are limitless,” he said. There is doubt whether the casino bill will pass, and both gambling supporters and opponents are scrambling to shore up votes. The House has never passed a gambling bill, and it would require a two-thirds majority to override the promised veto by Gov. John Lynch.(New Hampshire Union Leader)(2-28-2012)

Speedway official: Judge overturned jury verdict: A Superior Court judge has overturned a jury verdict that would have forced New Hampshire Motor Speedway to pay nearly $1 million in damages to the Motor Racing Network Inc., according to the speedway's general manager. "We really feel like we went through the legal system and that justice was done," Jerry Gappens, who also is the speedway's executive vice president, said Thursday night. In late September, a Merrimack County Superior Court ordered the speedway to pay Motor Racing Network $993,724 in damages for an alleged termination of a broadcasting agreement without three years' notice. Judge Richard B. McNamara had ruled prior to the trial that the agreement between the parties was not an enforceable contract, but allowed the case to go to trial solely on the issue of whether New Hampshire Speedway made a promise to Motor Racing Network, that the radio broadcaster relied on that promise and incurred damages as a result of its being broken. The speedway immediately appealed the jury's verdict to McNamara; on Thursday he reversed it, Gappens said. "I was stunned in September. I walked out of the courtroom in disbelief," he said. "I wasn't surprised today, but I'm certainly very pleased." According to court records, Motor Racing Network broadcast races at the speedway from approximately 1990 through 2008. Speedway Motorsports Inc. bought the track in January 2008 and replaced Motor Racing Network with its own radio network, Performance Racing Network, according to court records.(New Hampshire Union Leader)(1-28-2012)

Court orders NHMS to pay ISC over radio fee: A jury in New Hampshire has ordered Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s New Hampshire Motor Speedway to pay International Speedway Corp.’s Motor Racing Network approximately $950,000 after a weeklong trial to determine whether MRN deserved a contract termination fee from the race track, according to an ISC statement. When SMI bought the New Hampshire track in January 2008, it wanted its Sprint Cup and Nationwide races on its own radio network, Performance Racing Network. But NHIS had a contract with MRN that ISC said required a three-year notice of termination. MRN ended up broadcasting the June 2008 Nationwide and Cup races from the newly named New Hampshire Motor Speedway and then PRN got the Cup race in September 2008 and all Nationwide and Cup events beginning in 2009.(SceneDaily)(10-1-2011)

New Hampshire unveils 'Moose Head Maniacs' Section: Wrigley Field in Chicago has it's beloved "Bleacher Bums," the Cleveland Browns have their passionate "Dawg Pound," Duke University's basketball team has its "Cameron Crazies" and now New Hampshire Motor Speedway has the "Moose Head Maniacs." Recognizing the passion of NASCAR fans at "The Magic Mile," speedway officials announced that they have designated a special section of seating in turns three and four to create a wicked fun fan zone for the "Moose Heads." For this Sunday's SYLVANIA 300 NASCAR Sprint Cup race, speedway officials have released 2,000 tickets, priced at $19 each for this seating section, located in the Laconia Grandstand. The package also includes a customized "Moose Heads" T-shirt and the freedom to be creative in fun fan wear. The "Moose Heads" section is not for the faint of heart, it is for the NASCAR FANatic. Fans are encouraged to face paint your favorite driver's number, don some Moose antler headgear, wear their new "Moose Head" t-shirt, colorful wigs, outlandish sunglasses or any other fun wear to showcase their passion for NASCAR racing in New England. Fans with the most outlandish costumes will be featured on New Hampshire Motor Speedway's giant video board throughout race day festivities.(NHMS)(9-20-2011)

Montgomery Gentry to Highlight Sylvania 300 Pre-Race Concert: Country award winning duo Montgomery Gentry will kick start the SYLVANIA 300 with a performance during pre-race ceremonies at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 25. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry exploded onto the country music scene 11 years ago, releasing more than 20 charted singles including hits like "My Town," "Hell Yeah," "Something to be Proud Of," "Lucky Man" and "Back When I Knew it All." Their latest single, "Where I Come From" just hit the country charts, and their new studio album, Rebels on the Run, will be in stores Oct. 4, 2011. The duo boasts both gold and platinum albums, CMA and ACM awards, a Grammy nomination and several television appearances on hit shows such as Regis & Kelly, The Tonight Show, Access Hollywood and The CBS Early Show. In 2010, Montgomery Gentry was recognized with the ACM/The Home Depot Humanitarian award for their tireless charitable efforts. The group will be part of an excitement-packed pre-race concert prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 25. Great seats are still available for the entire NASCAR weekend and tickets can be purchased by calling the NHMS ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting www.nhms.com.(9-20-2011)

Tracks spared hurricane damage: Hurricane Irene proved to be more than a hindrance to several NASCAR tracks over the weekend, but officials at Richmond, New Hampshire and Dover expect upcoming race weekends to go off without a hitch. Although Richmond International Raceway suffered no major damage, as of Monday morning the area around the track remained without electricity. Richmond is scheduled to host the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 Nationwide Series event on Sept. 9, followed by the Wonderful Pistachios 400 on Sept. 10. Turner said track officials are confident the facility will be ready to host the more than 90,000 fans expected to attend each evening. In three weeks, the series travels to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. According to NHMS director of communications Kristen Costa, the facility had minimal damage. At Dover, senior director of communications Gary Camp said track officials had enough lead time to stow important items. "We had no damage here at the track, fortunately," Camp said.(NASCAR.com)(8-30-2011)

Edens Edge to Perform National Anthem at New Hampshire: Officials at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and WOKQ announced that Big Machine recording group Edens Edge will perform the national anthem at the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. The country music trio features Hannah Blaylock as the lead vocalist, Dean Berner on harmony vocals, guitar, dobro and Cherrill Green on harmony vocals, mandolin, banjo, and guitar. The group composes a unique musical blend deeply rooted in country and bluegrass. The trio has opened for iconic country stars such as Ronnie Milsap and Randy Travis. At the end of March 2010, they proudly became part of the Big Machine Records label family which is also home to Taylor Swift. A select number of seats are still available. To purchase tickets please call the NHMS ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting www.nhms.com.(NHMS)(7-16-2011)

Tornado Victims named grand marshals at NHMS: Longtime Lenox Industrial Tools employee Tom Joseph, along with his wife and three sons, will serve as Grand Marshals for the 2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 17. The Josephs, who lost their home in the tornados that tore through New England last month, will represent the many families whose homes were damaged or destroyed as a result of the June storms. Tom Joseph has been a Lenox employee for more than 25 years. His wife, Karen, and their three sons, Nick (19), Alex (18) and Brian (12), saw their house destroyed after tornadoes ripped through their town of Monson, Mass. The family will give the command "Gentleman, Start Your Engines" to get the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 underway. Alex Joseph, president of the Monson High School senior class, led local high school students in relief efforts in the devastating aftermath of the storms. He and his classmates delivered food and water to the tornado-ravaged neighborhoods. Lenox employees volunteered their time after the tornados to help the most impacted employee families clean up their damaged properties. During pre-race ceremonies on the start-finish line, Lenox will also present a check to the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts. Employee donations collected during the month of June will be added to a company donation of $25,000. Lenox, the leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, hand tools and band saw blades, has been headquartered in East Longmeadow, Mass., since 1915. The Lenox facility was not damaged by the storms, but some employees' homes, like that of the Joseph family, were significantly damaged. Lenox will have an outdoor display set up at the race, where attendees can receive details on how to contribute to the Red Cross via SMS so donations can be added to mobile phone bills. Lenox is also inviting race fans to sign a wall to pledge their support to the American Cross' disaster relief efforts.(NHMS)(7-11-2011)

A Birthday Wish 100 Years in the Making at NHMS: Rachel Gilbert of Laconia, N.H., proved that the need for speed can hit at any age, by taking a spin around New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in the tracks pace car, to celebrate her 100th birthday. Gilbert's centennial celebration got off to a flying start Tuesday, when she hopped in a Toyota Camry pace car, similar to the one that will set the field for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on July 17. "This was such a surprise," said Gilbert. "I had such a great teacher, I loved it." Jerry Gappens, the speedway's executive vice president, general manager and driving instructor for the day was able to ride shotgun, as this lifelong race fans dream was fulfilled. "Rachel is a true pace setter," said Gappens. "We wanted to take the opportunity and celebrate this special occasion with her and her family." Her life in the fast lane accelerated as early as 1960 when she followed her husband and "the good ole' boys" to Loudon, N.H.'s, Bryar Motorsports Park. Nearly two decades later, while Gilbert's family was vacationing in Florida, they attended the Daytona 500 where she saw stock car legends Richard Petty and Bobby Allison fight to the finish. Then she was hooked. As part of this ultimate birthday celebration Gilbert and her family will receive suite passes overlooking "The Magic Mile," where they will enjoy every lap of the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. Gilbert will also have the opportunity to rub elbows with the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the Sunday morning drivers' meeting. The longtime race fan was surprised with this once in a lifetime opportunity from her family and Gappens. When told she would be riding around the speedway in the pace car, she was ready to leave for Loudon immediately. Included in her birthday package was a race car cake, an official LENOX Industrial Tools 301 hat, NHMS jacket and birthday card. Her favorite driver Carl Edwards even signed and sent an official crew shirt and birthday wishes. "My mom has always been a major race fan. She doesn't miss a race on TV," says daughter Marie Anne Mills. Marie also had the opportunity to ride around the track with Gilbert. "I was more nervous than she was," she said. "This was so wonderful." Purchase your tickets for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on July 17, the INDYCAR 225 on Aug. 14 and the SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. by calling the ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting www.nhms.com.(NHMS)(4-27-2011)

Perform the National Anthem at New Hampshire: New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the New Hampshire chapter of Speedway Children's Charities have the perfect opportunity for aspiring performers to belt out the national anthem, with the first-ever Speedway Star performing competition on Saturday, April 23. "The Magic Mile" and WGIR's "The Morning Buzz" will give two people the opportunity to perform the national anthem in front of thousands of screaming race fans at either the New England 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, July 16, or the F.W. Webb 175 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, Sept. 24. Seventy-five contestants will audition in front of a celebrity panel of judges including; Roadkill from WGIR's "The Morning Buzz," Rock 101's Scorch and Adam Furious; Justin McIsaac of WHEB and rock guitarist Gary Hoey, beginning at 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., during the speedway's FANtasy Drive 2. At the end of the day six finalists will be selected and videotaped performing the Star Spangled Banner, then posted on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway website for fans to vote. The two people receiving the most votes will be chosen to perform. Registration is just $20 per person and is held on the day of the event only. All proceeds will benefit the New Hampshire chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
NHMS' Season of Speed is fast approaching and tickets for all 2011 events can be purchased by calling the NHMS ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931. Additional information, including camping availability and prices, can be found online at www.nhms.com.(4-21-2011)

New Hampshire installing new State-of-the-Art Video Scoreboard: In what could be one of the best fan enhancements in the 21-year history of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a new $1.2 million, state-of-the-art Panasonic scoreboard and video system will be in place when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to New England's largest sports and entertainment facility on July 17. As part of the track's on-going effort to better the race-day experience for fans, the Panasonic scoreboard boasts a four-sided video display that stands 80-feet tall. That's 20-feet taller than the CITGO sign at Boston's Fenway Park. The new scoreboard has three, 32-foot-by-18-foot TV screens on the top, providing impressive views of race action and instant replays. Below the video boards will be a scrolling leaderboard with color graphics that gives fans running positions and lap times for all 43 drivers, along with interesting race statistics and event information. Crews have worked throughout the winter months to lay the new foundation, with phase two beginning next week. Officials of "The Magic Mile" plan to unveil the dynamic new scoreboard, which will be located in the middle of the infield, in May. The season of speed is fast approaching and tickets for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on July, 17, the INDYCAR 225 on Aug. 14 and the SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 25 are now on sale. They can be purchased by calling the NHMS ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visiting nhms.com.(2-16-2011)

NHMS Offers Low-Cost Winter Storage Options: New Hampshire Motor Speedway is offering area residents a low-cost option for protecting their motorcycles, boats, sports cars and Jet Skis from the harsh New England winter. Starting Monday, Nov. 1, "The Magic Mile" will have two storage options in the track's infield garages for those who need a winter home for their summer toys. A boat or sports car can be stored in a 10-by-28 foot space for just $300. A motorcycle or Jet Ski can be protected in an 8-by-10 foot space for a mere $100, a true value when compared to other storage options. As an added bonus, those selecting NHMS for their winter storage needs will receive two free tickets to FansFirst Pole Day on Friday, July 15. This exciting day features NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying and practice for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301, followed by a 125-lap race for NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. All stored items must be removed no later than March 31. Customers wishing to pick up items prior to that date must call (603) 513-5724 to make an appointment with a speedway representative. Please provide 24 hours notice for access to the garage area. For more information on winter storage options at New Hampshire Motor Speedway or call (603) 513-5724.(NHMS)(12-3-2010)

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Introduces the World's Softest Wrecker Bumper: In light of the recent controversy surrounding Clint Bowyer's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, officials at the speedway utilized some creative ingenuity to help ensure that "The Magic Mile" and its wreckers aren't part of any similar debate in the future. With the new "pillow-soft" bumper, speedway general manager Jerry Gappens wants to assure all future winning race cars make it to victory lane carefully. The wrecker is the exact same truck that pushed Bowyer's #33 Cheerios/ Hamburger Helper Chevy to victory lane after he ran out of gas during his burnout at the September 19th SYLVANIA 300, but with a new and improved soft front bumper.(NHMS)(10-7-2010)

New 'Granite' Start/Finish line unveiled: Inspired by the famous “Yard of Bricks” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a new start/finish line was unveiled at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Thursday, September 16. The “Granite Stripe” is a six-inch thick, two-foot-wide strip of New Hampshire granite that stretches across the 65-foot wide NHMS front straightaway at the start/finish line. New Hampshire is known as the Granite State. Though the new start/finish line was the idea of New Hampshire Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager, he said he didn’t have to think hard for his idea.
“Growing up in a racing family in Indiana, I was well aware of some of auto racing’s great traditions,” said Gappens. “I knew of ‘The Lady in Black’ (Darlington) and ‘The Rock’ (Rockingham), but for me the ‘Yard of Bricks’ at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was racing’s sacred ground. And the bricks just didn’t mean something to the Indy drivers. We’ve all seen what ‘kissing the bricks’ means to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers.” When plans were being made to celebrate “20 Years of Motorsports Magic,” Gappens was looking for more than an advertising slogan to celebrate.
“New Hampshire Motor Speedway means a great deal to a lot of people in the racing community, especially racers here in the northeast. Now that the race track will play host again to two of the most prestigious forms of racing in the world – the IZOD IndyCar Series and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series -- it was important to me that we do something special and something that may create a “Magic Mile” tradition.”
Swenson Granite, located in Concord, N.H., created the Granite Stripe. It will eventually feature three engraved logos documenting the history of the track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Bryar Motorsports Park and the New Hampshire International Speedway logo emblems will all have a permanent home at new rock solid finish line. Special thanks to Scott Herrick of Swenson Granite for donating the granite, Mike Bussier of Granite State Curb for setting the granite, Al Brock of Brock Concrete for laying the concrete, and Sara Perry of Perry Brothers Monument for etching the NHMS logo into the “Granite Stripe.”
Tickets are still available for the SYLVANIA 300, September 16-19. Purchase your tickets now by calling the ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS)(9-16-2010)

NHMS & RPM give tickets to employee's of Hartford Distributor: New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Richard Petty Motorsports are teaming up to make this weekend a little brighter for the employees impacted by the Hartford Distributor tragedy, by sending 250 tickets for all employees to the Sylvania 300 and four Richard Petty Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers to the facility Thursday morning. One of the victims, Doug Scruton, had dreams of retiring in New Hampshire before the tragedy occurred. Scruton, 56 had worked for the company for 30 years and was months away from retirement in the White Mountains. Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway was more than willing to donate the tickets to the employees and families. "I think it is just such a positive thing to give these folks the opportunity to come out to the speedway and enjoy themselves this weekend with some exciting NASCAR racing," said Gappens. "It was just the right thing to do." The Richard Petty Motorsports haulers will make a pit stop on their way to the speedway tomorrow at 8:00 am. The employees will have the opportunity to tour and visit with the four haulers and teams.(NHMS)(9-16-2010)

The Campers Have Arrived at NHMS: “The Magic Mile” welcomed the first of many campers on Saturday as race fans gear up for the SYLVANIA 300 and the first race in the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.” New Hampshire Motor Speedway was up bright and early to welcome the fans in at 5:00am/et this morning with donuts and coffee. Grills are sure to be fired up and televisions tuned into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond tonight which will determine the rest of the Chase Contenders. Next week the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup” begins at “The Magic Mile.” Purchase your tickets now for the SYLVANIA 300 weekend by visiting us online at www.nhms.com or by calling our ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(9-13-2010)

NH Governor John Lynch declares "Race Week": It was the fastest commute in New Hampshire last week as Governor John Lynch raced to work in New Hampshire Motor Speedway's official Toyota Hybrid Pace Car this afternoon with Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. Governor John Lynch declared the week of September 13-19 "Race Week" for the Granite State. The week kicks off the SYLVANIA 300 festivities and the biggest sporting event in New England.
The Governor's Proclamation: "We are delighted to be here today, and I wanted to thank Jerry Gappens and Bruton Smith for their ongoing commitment to New Hampshire. The speedway is such an important factor in our economy. Each year the races bring in hundreds and thousands of visitors and hundreds of millions of dollars to New Hampshire and we again thank you for stating your commitment to the state," said Governor John Lynch at the press conference.
Executive vice president and general manager of the speedway Jerry Gappens was on hand to present Governor Lynch with a green flag signifying the start of race week and a personalized racing helmet with his name. "We would like to hand you this green flag not only to start race but to signify money and how much tourism NASCAR brings into New Hampshire. The speedway has fans from 38 states and five countries to spend money and visit our great state," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Come on over and enjoy all of the motorsports entertainment. Joining the cars and stars of NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series is NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series TheRaceDayRaffleSeries.com 175, NASCAR's K&N Pro Series East New Hampshire 125, the mighty Whelen Modified Tour F.W. Webb 100 and the American-Canadian Tour Invitational. Purchase your tickets now for the SYLVANIA 300 weekend by visiting online at www.nhms.com or by calling our ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(9-13-2010)

NHMS announces sponsor for NCWTS race: New Hampshire Motor Speedway announced today that The Charity Splits Company, of Joliet Ill., will sponsor TheRaceDayRaffleSeries.com 175 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, September 18. Charity Splits has been established in motorsports by benefitting multiple NASCAR Charities and Foundations including: The Tony Stewart Foundation, Victory Junction, The Petty Family Foundation, The Greg Biffle Foundation, The Ryan Newman Foundation, The Dale Jarrett Foundation, and The Kyle Busch Foundation. This new and innovative model for charitable fundraising is a win-win for NASCAR enthusiasts. Not only do fans have the opportunity to support their favorite drivers' foundations, but this fall, they will also have the chance to get a big win for themselves, a brand new Camping World RV courtesy of Camping World of New Hampshire. Beginning August 31, the Race Day Raffle Series enters its own "Chase" format much like the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup." Fans can purchase raffle tickets, with proceeds from the raffle will be put into a pot for the fan's preferred foundation. [Visit RaceDayRaffleSeries.com for complete details.] "Our goal for the 2010 Race Day Raffle Series and TheRaceDayRaffleSeries.com 175 is to raise over $1,000,000 for our foundation and charity partners, and to give away an RV to one lucky fan," stated Ryan West, Director of Marketing for The Charity Splits Company.(NHMS PR)(8-31-2010)

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Unveils A “Rock Solid” Finish Line: Indianapolis Motor Speedway has the “Yard of Bricks,” Augusta has the “Amen Corner,” and of course, Boston’s own Fenway Park has the mighty “Green Monster.” Now, New Hampshire Motor Speedway will have the same iconic item that every fan will remember. This September, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars will have to pass “The Granite Stripe” at the start-finish line. Swenson Granite, located in Concord, is creating a brand-new start/finish line on “The Magic Mile.” A six-inch-thick, two-foot-wide by 65-foot strip of Concord Gray colored granite will grace each race start and welcome home each winner. The Granite Stripe will feature three engraved logos documenting the history of the track: The Bryar Motorsports Park icon, New Hampshire International Speedway logo and New Hampshire Motor Speedway emblem will all have a permanent home at new rock solid finish line. The Granite Stripe is being cut and prepared this month to be ready for the next race at NHMS. Advanced tickets are still available for the SYLVANIA 300, September 16-19. Purchase your tickets now by calling our ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or at www.nhms.com.(NHMS)(8-23-2010)

New Hampshire announces two race weekends for 2011: With anticipated crowds exceeding the Super Bowl, Final Four, NBA Finals, World Series games, and even the Stanley Cup Playoffs , New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host the three the biggest sporting events in New England during its 2011 racing season. For the 15th consecutive season, the “Magic Mile” will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends. Moving from its recent late-June date, NASCAR’s elite series makes its season debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 17 for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will make its second trip to the “Granite State” on Sunday, September 25, as the SYLVANIA 300 lights up the competition for the second race in the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.” In addition to the two Sprint Cup Series races at NHMS, a “New Breed of Speed,” invades the track when the IZOD IndyCar Series returns after a 13-year hiatus. On August 14 Dario Franchetti, Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, and all of the IZOD IndyCar Series stars will bring close wheel-to-wheel action and speeds reaching up to 200 miles per hour. Gappens also announced that there will not be a price increase for NASCAR events in 2011.(NHMS)(8-11-2010)

Scheduled changes, 3 tracks loses? 3 gain dates?: SPEED's Bob Dillner reported on the July 11th SPEED Report that rumors have Auto Club Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway with second race dates going to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway and Kentucky Speedway getting a Sprint Cup race. No word how this will shake up the Sprint Cup schedule, can be figured out a few different ways. Look for Atlanta Motor Speedway to keep it's Labor Day weekend date and doubtful Las Vegas would get a summer date with the heat there.(7-13-2010)

Some 2011 schedule speculation: It appears more likely than ever the 2011 Sprint Cup slate will have a much different look than it has in recent seasons. NASCAR acknowledged both SMI and ISC have requested realignment date changes for next year, and there are reports Kentucky and a second date for Las Vegas will be part of the SMI plan, at the expense of races in New Hampshire and Atlanta, and Kansas will gain a second NASCAR weekend when Auto Club Speedway gets stripped of its February date.(CBS Sports) to see what tracks have already confirmed their dates for next year, check out my 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 'tentative' Schedule page.(7-5-2010)

Latest on police cost at NHMS: Pre-race traffic moved smoothly for the Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway according to Loudon Police Chief Robert Fiske, who said that Route 106 was reopened to two-way traffic at 12:15, 45 minutes before the start of yesterday's race. Fiske said that as of mid-afternoon there had been 72 arrests at the Speedway over the weekend, several of which were for drug possession and assault. The bulk were for disorderly conduct and public intoxication, he said. Fiske, who has been embroiled in a dispute with the speedway over security costs, said that the final tally on the weekend won't be compiled until sometime tomorrow. "We're doing everything we can to keep costs down," said Fiske, who had estimated that it would cost about $134,000 for police details at the track. Speedway Motorsports officials have said that they think $65,000 is sufficient and have threatened to pull one of the Sprint Cup races from the track if the dispute continues.(New Hampshire Union Leader)(6-29-2010)

Latest on Bruton moving race dates: Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith said Friday he plans to meet with NASCAR officials soon to discuss the Sprint Cup schedule for SMI tracks in 2011. Smith did not say whether he plans to move one New Hampshire Motor Speedway date to Kentucky Motor Speedway. "Whatever we do, we'll announce sometime in the future," Smith said. "We'll be talking to NASCAR about all these things and we need to study it carefully. We want to do whatever is best for the sport. We're in this thing together. If opportunity knocks, we want to be there to open the door." Kentucky is the only SMI track that doesn't have a Cup race, something Smith wants to change. That could mean the June race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which SMI also owns, could move. NHMS also hosts the first Chase race in September. Smith will announce Sunday that the IndyCar Series will race at NHMS next season, which could replace the June Cup date at the 1-mile oval. There also was speculation that Smith might move one Atlanta Motor Speedway date to Kentucky. "No, I've never heard that," Smith said Friday. Smith said he will meet with NASCAR president Mike Helton this weekend and plans to meet with Lesa France Kennedy soon. Kennedy is the CEO of International Speedway Corp. and the sister of NASCAR chairman Brian France. Kennedy hopes to add a second Cup date next year at Kansas Speedway, an ISC facility. "I get along very well with Lesa," Smith said. "She and I have a good rapport. I will be talking to her next week, hopefully. We don't want to put off until next year what we can do this year."(ESPN)(6-25-2010)

Lenox to make $10,000 donation to Children's Tumor Foundation: Lenox, a leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, hand tools, torches, solder and band saw blades announced, in partnership with Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will dedicate this weekend's Lenox Industrial Tools 301 to Pete Dingeman, the winner of the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero Contest. The June 27, 2010 NASCAR race will honor Dingeman, who passed away last December after a life-long battle with neurofibromatosis (NF). In recognition of his heroic efforts, a decal honoring Dingeman will be placed on Burton's #31 Lenox Industrial Tools Chevy paint scheme and Dingeman's family will serve as Grand Marshals for the race. Last year at the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, Dingeman was announced as the winner of the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero Contest. Dingeman was presented with a check for $31,000 for his charity, The Children's Tumor Foundation, with an additional $31,000 going to Dingeman for being the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero - a portion of which he donated back to The Foundation. To further acknowledge the work and life of Dingeman, Lenox will collect fan signatures in his honor throughout the race weekend and make $1 donation to the Children's Tumor Foundation for each signature - for up to $10,000.(Pro Sports PR)(6-22-2010)

Bring Your Coolers, Cans, and Snacks But NO Vuvuzelas .....: Race fans coming for this week's Lenox Industrial Tools 301 events can bring their favorite Coca-Cola products, beer, and tailgating food and snacks; but leave the vuvuzelas at home! If you've watched even five minutes of World Cup soccer, you've no doubt heard the droning sound of horns coming from the stands. The vuvuzela, a South African tradition is the long horn fans use throughout the matches. Good for soccer, not so good for "The Magic Mile." New Hampshire Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens announced today that the track is banning those annoying noisemakers in the grandstand seating areas. In fact, Gappens will conduct a ceremonial destruction of vuvuzelas during pre-race ceremonies Sunday. "We love our fans and want everyone to have a great time here during their visit, but I think it is best to leave the vuvuzelas in South Africa at the World Cup," said Gappens. "Forget engine noise; these pseudo-instruments are truly painful to the ears!" A long standing NASCAR tradition allows fans to bring their own food and drink into the speedway. There are a few other items that are not allowed, such as glass containers and umbrellas. Just a little reminder, only coolers or items 14" and under are permitted into the grandstand area and for your safety all persons, coolers, bags and backpacks are subject to searches. Purchase tickets to the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 27 and the SYLVANIA 300 on Sunday, September 19 by visiting online at www.nhms.com or by calling our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(6-21-2010)

Foghat to Headline Pre-Race Activities at New Hampshire: Vintage blues and classic rock band Foghat will kick start the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, during pre-race activities for a concert and will also be featured as the National Anthem performers on Sunday, June 27. The Multi-Gold and Platinum selling, 1970's rock band, whose hits include the classics "Slow Ride", "Road Fever", " Fool for the City", "Drivin' Wheel", and "I Just Want to Make Love to You" among others, continue to tour relentlessly. They are back promoting their new blues album 'Last Train Home,' that combines covers of classics such as "So Many Roads, "So Many Trains" and "Shake Your Money Maker," as well as a few new originals including their new single "Born for the Road". Not only will Foghat be on stage for the pre-race concert, but race fans can enjoy Comic Book Heroes, a guitar driven, alternative rock band as the opening act for the blues band. Comic Book Heroes will also be meeting fans at the Sprint Experience corporate display on Saturday, June 26th. Get your pre-race pit passes for front row action to the pre-race concert at the Lenox Industrial Tools 301; purchase them by calling our ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting www.nhms.com.(6-21-2010)

New Hampshire could move race date: The owner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway said Thursday he will consider moving next year's summer race if Loudon's police chief doesn't cut the cost for providing safety details. NHMS owner Bruton Smith said that if he can't reach a compromise with the town on security costs, he may move next June's race from New Hampshire [like to maybe...Kentucky Speedway?]. "The dates are scheduled year to year with contracts with NASCAR," said Jerry Gappens, NHMS vice president. "There is the option of doing that. Let's hope it doesn't come to that option." Gappens said Loudon charges too much to organize security, and Loudon's police chief makes too much doing it. He said Chief Robert Fiske makes $50 per hour, amounting to almost $59,000 for covering the races over five years. NHMS is asking Loudon to reduce its price tag for June's upcoming race from $170,000 to $65,000. "No, we're not prepared to do that," said Loudon Selectman Roger Maxfield. "The answer is no, we won't." Maxfield said he thinks $170,000 to cover an influx of 100,000 people is reasonable, as is Fiske's hourly rate. "He's also in control of 80 full-time officers, so that's a large detail," Maxfield said. NHMS has suggested cutting 38 police officers from its camp grounds and replacing them with private security guards supported by a few officers. Fiske said that plan isn't in the best interest of public safety. "The crime is consistent with a city of that size," he said. "We have alleged rapes and assaults, let alone the DWIs."(wmur.com)(6-18-2010)

New Hampshire Motor Speedway, police at impasse UPDATE: Even after the governor assembled a committee to deal with New Hampshire Motor Speedway's concerns about the cost of police and fire coverage at the track, the speedway and Loudon police Chief Bob Fiske are about $100,000 apart on the cost of covering next month's NASCAR race weekend. Fiske said he will present the Loudon selectmen tonight [Tuesday, May 11th] with a memorandum of understanding, to be signed by Jerry Gappens, the speedway's executive vice president, stating that the town of Loudon will be paid $174,500 for police and fire coverage, the same cost as the September 2009 race weekend. But Gappens says track owner Bruton Smith believes adequate coverage can be provided for $75,000. The Loudon track is the only one of eight speedways owned by Smith's company, Speedway Motorsports, that pays for police and fire coverage, Gappens said. Gappens said he considers Fiske's request that he sign a memorandum of understanding to be "an insult" to the relationship forged between town and speedway. "It makes me feel like they feel that we're not trustworthy and we're thieves," he said. "That concerns me." Fiske has said that in order to provide the same level of coverage at the track as in September, $174,500 - $134,000 of that for police coverage - is as low as he can go. That figure is already down significantly from the $263,000 the track paid for police and fire coverage in June 2009, and the selectmen are "totally supportive" of maintaining the same level of manpower, he said. Fiske said he collects about 80 officers from Loudon and towns across the state who make $43 per hour to work the race weekend. He said he knows asking Gappens to sign the memo "puts a bad taste in people's mouths," but he "can't stand" to leave the town holding the rest of the bill in order to provide adequate coverage. At the company's other speedway locations, Gappens said state and local officials provide coverage for no charge in recognition of the boon to the local economy.(Concord Monitor)(5-12-2010)
UPDATE: The only thing New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the Loudon selectmen agreed on at last night's meeting was the need to act quickly to figure out how to police next month's NASCAR race weekend. "Now we're under the gun," Selectman Steven Ives said. After months of discussion between Loudon police Chief Bob Fiske and speedway Security Director Mark Furlone, as well as the creation of a state task force to address the speedway's concerns about the cost of law enforcement coverage, the town and the track are still about $100,000 apart on the price of fire and police protection before and during the June 27 Sprint Cup race. Fiske presented the selectmen last night with a memorandum of understanding, which stated that the track will pay $174,500 - which includes $134,000 for police coverage - as it did for the September 2009 race. But speedway owner Bruton Smith has said he is capping what he will pay for police and fire for June's race at $75,000. None of Smith's seven other speedways has to pay for local emergency services, said Jerry Gappens, the speedway's executive vice president. Gappens refused to sign the memorandum, which he has called "an insult" to the relationship between the speedway and the town. "It's a slap in the face," he told the selectmen. Selectman Dustin Bowles said he will not settle for entering June's race weekend without a letter signed by the speedway verifying how much it is willing to pay for police and fire coverage. If that doesn't happen, he said, the town will demand that the speedway bond the money. "We're going to need something," he said. After the discussion, both sides agreed to address the issue again in the coming weeks.(Concord Monitor)(5-12-2010)

NHMS wants to build casino/hotel: The New Hampshire Motor Speedway wants to build a casino, a hotel and a racing museum on its Loudon [NH] track site. But the plans are contingent on the state legalizing expanded gambling this year, something that's far from certain. The speedway added its voice to the Legislature's gambling debate yesterday, during a Senate hearing on a bill that would allow slot machines and table games at six sites across the state. The news surprised many people, including Loudon town officials, other gambling advocates and casino opponents. But the entry of such a well-known - and well-funded - organization to the discussion could significantly shift the terms of the debate. "What we're basically saying is, we want a seat at the table because we know we could do a good job and be a responsible partner with the state on this," said Jerry Gappens, general manager and executive vice president of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "We're the largest sports and entertainment facility in all of New England. We've got a great infrastructure here. And (gambling) would just complement what we already do." Gappens said that track officials were still working on their plans but that they would likely center on a new hotel-casino complex. He said the track was also in talks with the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame about building a permanent home for that institution at Loudon. He said the track had hired consultants to design the year-round casino facility as well as assess the potential economic impact the addition of gambling would have for the track and for state revenue.(Concord Monitor)(3-6-2010)