There are four general rules to live by – you don’t pull on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit in the wind, you don’t pull the mask off the Ol Lone Ranger and you don’t underestimate the affect of NASCAR racing in the state of New Hampshire.
I was absolutely thrilled to be at yesterday’s press conference at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) where I learned that not only will the Granite State retain both of its NASCAR dates, it will also be adding an IZOD Indy Car race to the “Magic Mile” schedule. Three major events in three months at NHMS – can you say AWESOME?
This announcement means a continued influx of new visitors, increased business in the state of New Hampshire and job creation, a win all the way around.
Congratulations to NHMS General Manager Jerry Gappens and the rest of his hard working staff on this great coup – New Hampshire is very lucky and proud to have such a first class facility in the state and we’re looking forward to more great things in the years to come!! (See below for the press release on yesterday’s announcement)
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Two NASCAR Sprint Cup Weekends and Return of Indy Cars
Highlight 2011 Schedule at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
LOUDON, N.H. (August 11, 2010) – 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.”
“As we have seen for the past couple of months, these NASCAR Sprint Cup Series dates are special and highly coveted by various venues and cities across the country,” said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. “Though next year’s schedule realignment involved moving some dates from speedways that have hosted two NASCAR Sprint Cup weekends, I think it is fitting that the largest sports and entertainment venue in New England continues to host two NASCAR Sprint Cup races. Our two dates are directly a result of the incredible fan support we have in New England. I know first-hand that our Chairman Bruton Smith and NASCAR recognizes how important it is to have a terrific venue in this region and this New England market.”
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.
“Because of the date changes with our NASCAR weekends, we had to move this much-anticipated event from its originally announced July 31 date to August 14. With this change, it gives fans from New England, Canada and across the country three consecutive months of major racing events. This will be a tremendous boost to the economic benefit the speedway provides and increase in tourism to our great state.” Gappens added. “In addition, I really
appreciate Randy Bernard and all of the officials of the IZOD Indy Cars Series for working with us to make this change. It creates some travel and logistical challenges for their group, but it further demonstrates their commitment to bringing open wheel racing back to New England.”
The 2011 season will also provide top-quality action in all forms of racing for fans; including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and the American Canadian Tour. Other series include the Loudon Road Racing Series, a major snowmobile event, vintage racing, and the oldest motorcycle racing event in the world.
Gappens also announced that there will not be a price increase for NASCAR events in 2011.
“In addition to not increasing prices for the past eight years, we have actually lowered ticket prices in several areas the past two years and offer interest-free payment plans, which offers several affordable options for our fans, Gappens said.”
NASCAR Sprint Cup tickets for next year range from $39 to $110 and tickets for the IZOD Indy Car Series race are priced from $35 to $75. Fans buying all three events can save an additional 10-percent.
The next major event scheduled for NHMS, is the SYLVANIA 300, September 16-19. Purchase your tickets now by calling our ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting us online at www.nhms.com.