- Only four drivers: only four drivers have completed in all 29 Sprint Cup races held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the first race in 1993: #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], #31-Jeff Burton [4], #96-Bobby Labonte [0] and #87-Joe Nemechek [1].(6-29-2009)
- September 16, 2007's Cup race at New Hampshire was the first time all 43 cars that started a Cup race finished it since NASCAR mandated the 43-car rule in 1998.
Four CURRENT Race Tracks Martin has never won race at: There are FOUR current race tracks the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runs on that #5-Mark Martin has not won at [a Sprint Cup race], plus Martin ran five races at Nashville and four races at Riverside and didn't win:
Pocono: 0 for 45 with six finishes of 2nd, last in 8/2004
Daytona: 0 for 48 with a best finish of 2nd in 2/2007
Indianapolis: 0 for 16 with a best finish of 2nd in 8/1998 and 7/2009
Homestead: 0 for 9 with a best finish of 2nd in 11/2005
Won at Chicago on 7-11-2009 after failing to win 8 times
Won at New Hampshire on 9-20-2009 after failing to win there 24 times
(9-20-2009)
New Hampshire Sprint Cup race sold out: Officials said today's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a sellout, and, with an additional 3,000 tickets being sold for the infield, a crowd of about 104,000 is expected. NHMS came up a thousand or so tickets short of a sellout for its June race. "Hopefully, we'll have the biggest crowd ever in the history of the Speedway," said Smith, who would love to see lights at the track as a major addition for next season. Yes, it's been a pretty good year at the racetrack.
"Across the board, with the economy the way it is, we're probably averaging a 7 to 10 percent decline in attendance," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of corporate communications. "But this track is holding its own pretty well. These fans are avid. There are no more avid fans than there are at this racetrack." That's a major reason, Hunter said, that he doesn't see NHMS losing one of its two annual Sprint Cup races, something that some fans feared when Bruston Smith's company [SMI] -- which owns seven other speedways -- bought the track. "When you can sell 90-100,000 tickets, to take a chance on moving it somewhere where you may sell 60-70,000 -- to me, that doesn't make any sense," Hunter said.(New Hampshire Union Leader)(9-20-2009)
"Trackside Pass" Available for New Hampshire: For the first time ever, New Hampshire Motor Speedway fans will have the opportunity to be the ultimate insider at Sunday's Sylvania 300 with the new "Trackside Pass." This allows fans pre-race pit road access; the chance to attend the Town Meeting with speedway officials Bruton Smith, Jerry Gappens, and leaders in the world of motorsports; and admission to the "Trackside Tent" and the turn one and two areas of the infield to watch the first race in the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup."
"Trackside Pass" guests are allowed to bring coolers (up to 14-inches), lawn chairs, and blankets into the infield. No scaffolding or platforms are allowed. The "Trackside Pass" is available for a limited time at $150 per person. Passes for minors under the age of 18 can be purchased for $50 without pre-race pit access. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Sylvania 300 weekend events, go online to www.nhms.com, or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(9-18-2009)
"Full House" Expected for Sunday's race at NHMS: A capacity crowd will be on hand for Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Speedway officials announced Thursday that other than a "few" single seats and handicap accessible seats, all tickets to the grandstand seating area are gone. A limited number of backstretch, standing-room and infield "Trackside-View" tickets are available. Tickets to these areas are still available in advance by calling the speedway's ticket office at (603) 783-4931, which speedway officials are encouraging. Tickets are also available for Friday's Heluva Good! Pole Day activities, and the NASCAR Camping World East Series Heluva Good! Fall 125, as well as Saturday's NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour New Hampshire 100, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Heluva Good! 200, and the ACT Invitational. Tickets start at $20 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Sylvania 300 weekend events, go online to www.nhms.com, or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(9-18-2009)
NHMS Ticket Buyer Will Journey to Las Vegas: As part of New Hampshire Motor Speedway's on-going "FansFirst" initiative, anyone purchasing tickets for the SYLVANIA 300 on September 20 will have a chance of winning an exciting trip to Las Vegas for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 4. The Grand Prize includes airfare, lodging, $1,000 in spending money, and two tickets to the Sprint Cup banquet. This will be the first time that this exclusive awards ceremony is being held in Las Vegas. For the past 27 years, the banquet has taken place in New York City. For a chance to experience the thrills of a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in Vegas, purchase your tickets for the SYLVANIA 300 now. The MegaTicket package features three days of racing for $99. The SYLVANIA Speed Zone seating section offers fans a $39 Sunday ticket. With these promotions, fans have the unique opportunity to experience NASCAR racing for approximately 12 cents a lap! To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway SYLVANIA 300 weekend, call the Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(9-16-2009)
Josh Turner to hold concert and sing National Anthen at HNMS: Josh Turner, recently named by People magazine as one of country music's hottest stars, will be performing a pre-race concert and the National Anthem prior to the start of the SYLVANIA 300 on Sunday, September 20 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This Grammy nominated artist has made his mark on the country music charts with back-to-back multi-week No. 1 radio singles, as well as, back-to-back platinum albums, "Long Black Train" and "Your Man," which is now certified Double Platinum. He has launched The Josh Turner Fund which is fueled by his passion to support music and the arts. The Fund awarded its first scholarship this year. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway SYLVANIA 300 weekend, call the Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(9-16-2009)
New Hampshire Motor Speedway Grand Marshal and starter: NASCAR fans will get a closer look at a new era of lighting during the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as title sponsor Osram Sylvania showcases its innovations and expertise in illumination technology. The North American lighting leader enters the chase with the company's next generation of leadership, new investments in research and development (R&D), and inspired lighting advancements for your space, your wallet and your planet. The seventh annual Sylvania 300 weekend arrives at the dawning of a lighting revolution and a changing of the guard at Osram Sylvania. The company announced earlier this year that Rick Leaman will succeed Charlie Jerabek as President and CEO effective the 1st of October. This presidential transition puts Leaman in the driver's seat; he will lead events throughout the race weekend along with Osram Sylvania Senior Vice President of Sales, Service and Logistics Tim Lesch, the Grand Marshal. The company enlisted the help of Mark Titlebaum, BJ's Wholesale Club senior vice president of general merchandise, to act as the flag dropper for the Sylvania 300. Sylvania has been the title sponsor of the Sylvania 300 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) for the last seven years and, in July 2006, signed an additional five-year contract with NHMS through 2012. For more information, visit www.Sylvania.com/Sylvania300.(PR Newswire.(9-14-2009)
NHMS pares police for race weekend: As Loudon, NH, gears up for next weekend's final NASCAR race of the year, the police department may find itself with less to do than in years past. With over one-third of its budget for security details slashed, fewer Loudon officers will be on hand. Officials at New Hampshire Motor Speedway said in interviews last week they'll utilize other forms of security, like the state police and their own team to patrol parts of the track, which has a maximum capacity of 105,000. Loudon police Chief Robert Fiske said the reductions translate to a "dangerously low" number of officers at the track. "There's a major safety concern," Fiske said in an interview.
The town's police department, which typically contracts up to 200 officers from throughout the state for full- and part-time use, was forced to re-evaluate its figures last month after the track took issue with a $265,000 bill for police details provided at a June NASCAR race. The track told selectmen the figure was excessive - up 40% from a $190,000 bill for the same race in 2005 - and agreed to pay it on the condition that fees for police and fire coverage on future races not exceed $175,000.
"The June bill was not a realistic reflection of what we needed," said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Manager and Vice President Jerry Gappens. "We had concerns and asked for an adjustment. The bill was paid in protest, but it was paid." The $265,000 was paid last month, and after some last-minute number crunching, Fiske presented the track with a $157,000 proposal for this week's 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. The bill, which Fiske said he presented "under protest," was further reduced to about $136,000. With a few more changes, the combined bill for police and fire coverage tallied $174,000, according to Gappens.
The biggest reductions came from several areas, Gappens said, including paring back shifts the week before the race, when out-of-state travelers typically set up RVs in the parking areas. The track will man its own security until Thursday. "If we have an incident, then (the police) will respond like they would any other day," Gappens said. Additionally, the state police will take over patrolling in two of the site's campgrounds; the number of officers patrolling the grandstands will be reduced from 30 to 12, but there will be more track security and ushers, said Mark Furlone, the track's security director and a former state trooper major.
The number of shifts and officers on staff were cut in half, Fiske said, and the number of hours in a typical shift were slashed from 12 to eight. Officers working shifts in the overnight RV areas will be off the clock at 2 a.m. There will be a "handful" of people on-call, Fiske said, but if something happens, "I really doubt six people are going to be able to control a crowd of 300." The track has also eliminated 17 officers at 11 of its entrance points, where guests' bags are checked for restricted items. Instead, the track will assign about 300 uniformed workers to man those points. "We're quite well-staffed," Furlone said. "We're very conscious of the safety and well-being of our guests." The changes, according to Fiske, are leaving the town wide open to danger. Given the number of people expected to attend the three-day event, he expects something will go wrong, he said. Fiske said he's especially concerned about the lack of officers at the screening stations. Many of them are being moved to traffic detail on Route 106, which Loudon will also retain control over.(Concord [NH] Monitor)(9-14-2009)
- NHMS Looks to Reduce Carbon Footprint: New Hampshire Motor Speedway is rolling out its Green Team Initiative for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 weekend. The Green Team Initiative is a recycling program in the RV and general parking areas at the speedway. It is a part of Waste Management's Single-Stream recycling system where items such as paper, plastic, and aluminum are all recycled into one bin and then sorted at their plant. On the grounds of the speedway, campers will see green barrels for recycling and gray barrels for other trash. The green barrels will have a large yellow sticker outlining acceptable items for Single-Stream recycling. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, call their Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(6-28-2009)
- Toyota Camry Hybrid to NHMS race: The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid will serve as the official pace car for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 28 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Earlier this season the gas-electric Camry Hybrid became the first hybrid vehicle to serve as a pace car for an entire NASCAR race, leading the way at both Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., and last weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS)(6-27-2009)
- Lights at NHMS still planned...but: The hope for New Hampshire Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens is that the track could also clear the hurdle of getting lights up. Standing in the way of that is an agreement that former track owner Bob Bahre made with local officials not to run night events at the track. "In a perfect world I would love to run them on a Saturday night under the lights here," Gappens said. "I think that would be a homerun and give us more flexibility." Gappens said moving past night racing agreement is still something track officials are working on. "It's something that we need to move forward with because I think we're going to see a day when NASCAR is going to require every track to have lights just from the standpoint of the money that's involved with the TV package and trying to get the event completed on the same day that its scheduled," Gappens said. "We can put up lights, there's nothing to stop us from doing that. We can put them in and if the race is schedule for 2 p.m. and we get rain we can finish. But you can't start a race on purpose at 7 o'clock at night. I will be starting to talk to local officials about what we need to do to get to that point because I do think it's vital for the speedway."(Hartford Courant)(6-27-2009)
- NHMS Welcomes the Newest Member of Its Team: New Hampshire Motor Speedway now has a fan-friendly mascot to match its 1.058-mile oval superspeedway. The Mile Oval Moose, known affectionately as "Milo," will start his new job at the speedway this weekend and is sure to be a fan favorite. A long-time resident of New Hampshire, "Milo" loves racing and entertaining. Attracted to speed and handy with tools for every job right down to changing a light bulb, "Milo" is a natural fit at the speedway. Equipped with his own special racing helmet, "Milo" is a force of nature behind the wheel as well. Whether in the pits tuning up a car or roaming the grandstands with the fans, Milo can be found anywhere and everywhere at the speedway on race weekend; just look for the antlers. A video of "Milo's" press conference introduction with NASCAR Spring Cup Series driver Jeff Burton can be seen at NHMS.com. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(6-26-2009)
- New Trackside Safety Fence Up and Ready for races at NHMS: New and enhanced trackside safety fencing is up along the grandstand sides of the racing surface at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Approximately 3,400 feet of fencing was installed. The lower portion is reinforced with six strands of 5/8-inch, high-strength cable, while the upper portion consists of sixteen strands of 3/8-inch cable. "Wheel fence" arch posts also raise the overall height of the safety fence to over 21 feet. The upgrade process, which began construction in April, will be completed in time for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 event week as planned. The new fence system is consistent with safety standards at other Speedway Motorsports, Inc.-owned and operated facilities. "This was not a reaction to what happened in Talladega," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, referring to Carl Edwards' wreck on the last lap which injured seven fans. "Bruton Smith, our chairman, put this project on the top of our priority list for 2009 facility improvements, utilizing the improved technology and engineering used at other SMI facilities and installing it here."
The previous grandstand safety fence measured 16 feet in height from the track's surface, 12½ feet high from the grandstand surface side. The new fence measures 21 and a half feet in height from the racing surface, 18 feet on the grandstand side. "We are upgrading many aspects of New Hampshire Motor Speedway to Speedway Motorsports, Inc.'s standards, and this fell right in place with the infield renovations in process for the June race," said John Zudell, Vice President of Operations and Development at New Hampshire Motor Speedway". To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(6-25-2009)
- Infield Improvements Unveiled at NHMS: A reconfiguration of New Hampshire Motor Speedway's infield will greatly increase its usable space and functionality. Infield construction began in May of this year after the necessary permits were obtained. After just two months of other structural adjustments and improvements, New Hampshire Motor Speedway is nearing the completion of its infield transformation. The most impressive of these adjustments is the expansion of the infield, resulting in an increase of over 400% in usable land. Overall, this portion of the infield has grown from one and a half usable acres to nearly seven. Fencing installation was another big project at the speedway. Interior fencing in the infield has been replaced with new, black chain link. The winner of the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 28, will visit a redesigned Victory Lane, also part of the renovation. With more ornate plans in mind for the facility, Vice President of Operations and Development John Zudell said the update will serve as an "interim Victory Lane." Though physical construction only took two months, the project is the result of 18 months of rigorous planning and approval. When O. Bruton Smith, Chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., purchased the track in early 2008, he immediately started planning the infield renovation project. Fans will get to experience Mr. Smith's vision during the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 weekend, starting Thursday, June 25, and can view the renovations firsthand with the Pre-Race Pit Pass, available online for $100. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(6-25-2009)
- Free Admission to Thursday's "Fan Fest" at NHMS: On Thursday, June 25, "Fan Fest" at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will feature free grandstand admission for NASCAR Camping World Series East Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour qualifying, as well as a great evening of free entertainment. One of the big highlights at "Fan Fest" will be an interview session with #9-Kasey Kahne. Greg Kretschmar, host of Greg and the Morning Buzz, and Jamie Staton, Sports Director at WMUR/ABC 9, will host this fan forum. Performing live throughout the night will be up-and-coming country-rock band Jonathan Scott and the Blazing Hearts. North American County Music Association, International's 2007 "Band of the Year" in new country music. The group from Jaffrey, N.H. features frontman Jonathan Scott. Scott is the NACMAI's 2007 "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Male Entertainer of the Year."
"Transaurus" will be doing a preview of Sunday's pre-race show on Thursday night at "Fan Fest" chewing a car cut in half by the one and only Lee 'Hackman' Breton as a part of the LENOX Industrial Tools 2009 World Tour. Qualifying sessions will begin at 3:15pm on Thursday, June 25 as the aces of NASCAR Camping World Series East make their pole run for the Heluva Good! 125. At 4:45pm, the ground-pounding NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour stars will qualify for the New Hampshire 100. From 6:00pm to 9:00pm, the "Fan Fest" celebration will end a great opening day at the speedway. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(6-24-2009)
- Purse for New Hampshire races announced: Featuring one of the most lucrative payouts-per-mile in NASCAR racing, record purses totaling more than seven million dollars are up for grabs for NASCAR drivers competing in next weekend's Lenox Industrial Tools 301 events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Drivers racing in any of the week's four NASCAR series races will be chasing their share of $7,005,549 in prize money, the highest in New Hampshire Motor Speedway history. The NASCAR Sprint Cup purse is $5,423,189, up from last year's track record. The Lenox Industrial Tools 301 features the sixth-highest purse per-mile on the series schedule to date [of 17 races]. The NASCAR Nationwide Series will be racing for the $1,197,559. The NASCAR Camping World Series East at $217,884 and the remaining $166,917 is on the line in the New England 100 for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Lenox Industrial Tools 301 and Sylvania 300 weekends, stop by the ticket office in Loudon, call the ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931, or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(6-23-2009)
- Three Dog Night to give concert at NHMS: Three Dog Night will take the stage at the start/finish line at 12:30pm/et for a 45 minute performance. Entering their fourth decade, the music icons hold some impressive industry statistics. From 1969 through 1974, the band had 21 consecutive Top-40 hits and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs. Their latest album, released in 2004, is a collection of hit singles. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Lenox Industrial Tools 301 and Sylvania 300 weekends, call the ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(6-23-2009)
- Local Heroes invites to New Hampshire Cup race: In recognition of its Extra Mile Heroes Contest, Lenox Industrial Tools is teaming up with New Hampshire Governor John Lynch and the State to honor the everyday heroes of New Hampshire. Lenox Industrial Tools and Gov. Lynch have invited members of the state police, local police and fire departments, and the National Guard, along with up to four members of their respective families, to attend the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, on Sunday, June 28 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. A limited number of grandstand tickets, made available from a section of seating speedway officials earmarked for a charitable partnership, are being offered on a first-come basis to their respective departments for free. The donation was made as an extension of the Lenox Extra Mile Heroes program which began with last year's Lenox Industrial Tools 301, adding an extra lap to recognize those who go the Extra Mile in their community. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Lenox Industrial Tools 301 and Sylvania 300 weekends, call the ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(6-23-2009)
- NHMS Announces Improvements, New Mascot: New Hampshire Motor Speedway has announced several improvements to the track in preparation of next weekend's Sprint Cup race. A new infield area will include some environmental upgrades to Gues Meadow Brook that runs through the track. It will also have two more large screen TVs for fans to follow the action. A new, higher fence was also unveiled. Track officials said it was not built in response to a violent crash earlier this year at Talladegah where some fans suffered minor injuries. Also unveiled was Milo the Moose, the track's new mascot who will interact with the fans at all the races.(wmur.com)(6-17-2009)
- Open Casting Call to be the First New Hampshire Motor Speedway Mascot: New Hampshire Motor Speedway is searching for the next great talent to be the first mascot for the largest sports and entertainment complex in New England. The lucky winner will perform in front of over 105,000 NASCAR fans twice a year, represent the speedway at numerous civic functions, and be a part of the world of major league mascots. "There is a star out there waiting to be discovered, and we are going to find that person," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manger of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "There will be no 'textgate' at this casting call! Our judging panel will make the right choice, guaranteed!" This casting call is open to anyone age 18 and over and will be held Friday, June 5th. More info at nhms.com.(6-2-2009)
- Buy a Ticket for June race at NHMS, get a ride: New Hampshire Motor Speedway is offering fans the unique opportunity to experience NASCAR racing for approximately 13 cents a lap with their MegaTicket package and LENOX Speed Zone during the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 weekend from Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, June 28. The LENOX Speed Zone is a special seating section that offers a $39 ticket for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 28. Fans will have the chance to see Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Jeff Gordon; Jimmie Johnson; Tony Stewart; Kyle Busch; and all the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The $99 MegaTicket package includes reserved seating for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 in the MegaZones located in special sections of the Concord and Laconia grandstands. This amazing combination ticket, a $150 value if purchased separately, also includes general admission seating for all of the events on Friday and Saturday. The schedule for these two days includes Heluva Good! Pole qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Camping World Series East Heluva Good! 125, Heluva Good! Pole qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour New England 100, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Camping World 200 presented by RVs.com.To purchase the New Hampshire Motor Speedway MegaTicket package or tickets in the LENOX Speed Zone, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS)(5-21-2009)
- New Hampshire catch fences to be replaced: The chain-link fences at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be replaced in time for its June race, partly in response to Carl Edwards’ airborne accident at Talladega Superspeedway. Speedway Motorsports Inc. will spend $400,000 to put up fences made of welding wire. "Let’s fix it because the sport is at risk," SMI chairman Bruton Smith said Monday. "The thing we need to do at all the speedways (is) to make sure we have the strongest (fencing) there is." Smith said he had started the process of replacing the fence before Edwards’ accident at Talladega two races ago. Edwards’ car was sent airborne into the frontstretch fence, which bowed upon contact. Although the fence held, debris from the accident flew into the grandstands and injured seven fans. Talladega’s fencing is a mix of chain link and steel cable. The Alabama track is owned by International Speedway Corp., the sister company to NASCAR. "A chain-link fence, you might think it’s strong, but it’s not," Smith said. "I had already made a decision to (change New Hampshire). We were a little ahead of the curve on that. It was not adequate. It looked bad, it was bad, and I thought, very unsafe."(Boston Herald/Associated Press)(5-5-2009)
- NHMS to Plant Trees as Part of Earth Day and "Green Team" Initiative: In celebration of Earth Day and as a part of its "Green Team" initiative, officials of New Hampshire Motor Speedway announced a plan today to plant additional trees throughout the 1,200-acre facility. Between now and the end of the day on April 30, speedway officials will plant a tree for every ticket sold to the June 28 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 in honor of the devoted race fans who support the largest sports and entertainment venue in all of New England. A wide variety of trees will be planted including red maple, white pine, gray and yellow birch, and various hemlocks. The speedway has more than 500 acres of permanently protected wildlife habitats located throughout the property. These habitats provide natural, undisturbed environments for many species of animal and plant life native to New Hampshire. "We continue to be one of the most eco-friendly sports facilities in the country," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice-president and general manager of the speedway. "This program is another facet of our on-going commitment to the ecological improvement and beautification of one of the most diverse and largest parcels of land in New England." The speedway is also working with Franklin Pierce University and Waste Management Company as part of a new "Green Team" initiative that will recycle more than half of the paper, plastic, metal, and glass waste that comes onto the property. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(4-23-2009)
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway Introduces $99 Race Weekend MegaTicket:New Hampshire Motor Speedway is offering fans three days of NASCAR racing for just $99 with their new MegaTicket for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 and Sylvania 300 weekends.
A $150 value if purchased separately, the MegaTicket includes reserved seating for the Sprint Cup events in the MegaZones, located in a special section of the Concord and Laconia grandstands and general admission seating for Friday and Saturday. To create the MegaZones, speedway officials transferred seating areas normally used for corporate block tickets and released them for this special fan package. The Lenox Industrial Tools 301 weekend is scheduled for June 26-28. The Sylvania 300 weekend is scheduled for September 18-20. To purchase the New Hampshire Motor Speedway MegaTicket for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 and Sylvania 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(4-5-2009)
- Drivers to Conduct Fan Forums at Speedway Motorsports Races: NASCAR drivers and Speedway Motorsports are teaming up to bring fans closer to their favorite drivers than ever before. The new "PRN Up To SPEED" program will bring NASCAR's top names out for fan forums at the SPEED Stage during each of the 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends at Speedway Motorsports' seven speedways across the country. The Performance Racing Network's on-air personalities will emcee question-and-answer sessions with some of the sport's biggest personalities at the SPEED Stage leading up to SPEED's regularly scheduled weekend programming.
"PRN Up To SPEED" will kick off Sunday at 9:30am/et, at the SPEED Stage located in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway midway. The stellar lineup will include Las Vegas-native Kyle Busch, legendary NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Each Speedway Motorsports track [Atlanta, Bristol, Infineon, Las Vegas, Lowe's, New Hampshire, Texas] that hosts a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will hold "PRN Up To SPEED" sessions during their respective race weekend. The location of the SPEED Stage may vary from track to track, but at all Speedway Motorsports facilities, the stage is always located in an area where access is free of charge for fans.(SMI PR)(3-1-2009)
- NHMS June Race Tix on sale Monday: With event ticket renewals completed, New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced today that the limited number of tickets remaining for the Sunday, June 28 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 will go on sale on Monday, January 19 at 8:00am/et. In addition, speedway officials also announced a new, innovative interest-free payment option available for 2009 ticket orders. The "FansFirst Four Pay" allows fans to secure their tickets, camping spots, and pre-race pit passes with a 25-percent deposit. The remaining balance will be spread out over three additional interest-free payments. For more information, or to purchase tickets for all of the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 weekend events, please go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(1-18-2009)
- Bob Bahre Named 2009 Buddy Shuman Award Winner: Bob Bahre, long a champion promoter and supporter of stock-car racing in the New England region, collected one of NASCAR’s most prestigious and longest-running awards today in New York City.
Bahre received the Buddy Shuman Award during the 2008 NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon. Presented since 1957, the award annually recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to NASCAR racing. It honors the late Buddy Shuman, a pioneering NASCAR driver who died in a hotel fire in Nov. 1955. “Bob was a pioneer in NASCAR’s growth in the northeast,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “He’s one of the most respected men in the sport – ever.” Bahre, 80, is the former owner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Oxford Plains Speedway. A resident of Paris Hill, Maine, he purchased what is now New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1989 and re-opened it – following reconstruction and renovations – in 1990. NASCAR events have been held at the track since July 1990. Bahre also owned and operated Oxford Plains Speedway from 1986-’94. He’s also renowned for his collection of vintage cars, which he shares with the public each summer during a Founder’s Day festival in Paris Hill. As New England’s largest sports facility, New Hampshire Motor Speedway includes a 1.056-mile oval track and a 1.6-mile road course and room for 105,491 spectators. A new chapter in the track’s history began in Nov. 2007, when Bahre and his son Gary sold the facility to Speedway Motorsports Inc. More recognition is forthcoming: Bahre will be inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Jan. 25, 2009.(NASCAR PR)(12-4-2008)
- Bob Bahre Named To Hall of Fame: New Hampshire Motor Speedway founder Bob Bahre will be inducted to the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Jan. 25, 2009 at LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, Conn. Bahre, generally acknowledged as the man who brought “major league’ auto racing to New England, is also recognized as having saved Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway. He lifted the track to prominence with the Oxford 250, long one of the richest short track races for late model stocks in America. He changed the face of the sport in 1990 when he built the mile oval in Loudon — today New Hampshire Motor Speedway. At the time it was the first superspeedway built in the world in 20 years. Tickets to the ceremony are on sale in Nov. at near1.com.(Union Leader)(10-16-2008)
- Lights planned for NHMS, no reconfig: Speedway Motorsports Inc. plans to add lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as soon as possible, which would reduce the number of Chase tracks without them to three. SMI chairman Bruton Smith said before Sunday's Chase opener that the only obstacle is getting out of an agreement former owner Bob Bahre made with a group of neighbors that there never would be night racing at the 1.058-mile track. "We will overcome that,'' Smith said. "I feel confident about that. As soon as we do that we will erect lights here.'' Smith believes it should be mandatory for all Chase tracks to have lights to give the best opportunity to get races in on the scheduled date. Had there been lights at New Hampshire on Sunday, officials wouldn't have been under such a tight deadline to get the race started before mid-afternoon. New Hampshire, Dover, Talladega and Martinsville are the only Chase tracks without lights. "I want to make sure we never lose a race,'' Smith said. "Like today, if we had to start at 6 o'clock or 7 or 8 o'clock we could do so. That's the whole thing in a nutshell. And it's good for the fans. We've got to be constantly better for these fans.'' Smith said plans to shorten New Hampshire from just over a mile to a ¾-mile track have been scrapped. "The track is very raceable,'' he said. "A couple of engineers looked [into it]. We look at a lot of things. I don't see that happening.''(ESPN)(9-14-2008)
- McCain to visit NHMS on Sunday UPDATE: Republican presidential candidate and Arizona Sen. John McCain is scheduled tomake a brief appearance at Sunday's event. McCain and his wife Cindy, (there is no information yet as to if she will accompany her husband to Loudon Sunday) are no strangers to racing — McCain was the grand marshal of the 2006 Sylvania 300 and Cindy McCain is a trained racecar driver. "We've done a lot of events like this," said speedway media spokesman Fred Neergaard. "We prepared twice for President Bush — once when he was the governor of Texas and once when he was president." State Police Lt. George Brown said no information is available about when McCain will visit, but helicopters flying overhead and an enhanced police presence are already present at the track.(The Citizen), The trip will reportedly include McCain taking a lap around the NASCAR race oval before the Sprint Cup playoff series is to begin in New Hampshire. It was not known whether running mate and AK Gov. Sarah Palin would be with McCain.(Nashua Telegraph)(9-11-2008)
UPDATE: John McCain thanked NASCAR for its support of the military as he spoke during the prerace drivers meeting Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. McCain was a couple of minutes late, and the drivers and crew chiefs remained in their seats waiting for him after their prerace instructions had ended. When he arrived with NASCAR President Mike Helton, the drivers and crew chiefs gave him a standing ovation. McCain was joined by Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, a major supporter of the candidate. “I just want to say thank you [for the ovation], but most of all I want to thank you for your support for the men and women in the military,” McCain said. “It’s remarkable. It’s uplifting to these young people. When I am in Iraq and Afghanistan, they’re watching you. You are their role models. You are their heroes. And they are ours. So I just want to say that NASCAR and the heroes and the competitors and the teams are supporting the men and women who are serving in the most exemplary fashion – I thank you, God bless you and God bless America.” Security was extra tight for the drivers meeting with everyone attending being checked with a metal-detecting wand. McCain then toured the garage area. The NASCAR hauler was equipped with several cameras pointed in various directions in the garage.(SceneDaily)(9-14-2008)
- Broadway Midway Debuts During the Sylvania 300 Weekend: For the first time at any major NASCAR race, the "Broadway Midway" will bring the atmosphere of an old-fashioned state fair to the biggest sporting event weekend in New England, the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway from this Thursday through Sunday. Several all-time favorite amusement rides will be part of the speedway exhibitor and display area located just outside turns one and two. The featured ride at any fair, the Ferris Wheel, will be the main attraction. Riders will be offered a breath-taking view of the speedway infield. Other rides will include the "Traffic Jam," the "Twister," and the "Round Up/Cyclone" The Broadway Midway will be open Thursday, September 11 through Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 14 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Wristbands can be purchased for $5 each day and will allow guests the opportunity to enjoy unlimited rides for that day. All proceeds from the sale of Broadway Midway wristbands will benefit the local New Hampshire chapter of the Speedway Children's Charities.(NHMS PR)(9-10-2008)
- The Only Showers at NHMS will be in the Campground! With a continued focus on improving fan amenities, New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials have quadrupled the number of portable shower facilities located throughout the speedway camping areas for the Sylvania 300 this weekend. As part of their "Fans First" guest enhancement program, the shower facilities will be offered to speedway campers at no charge instead of the $10 per shower that had been charged in the past. The shower facilities will be open Thursday, September 11 through Sunday, September 14 from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily.(NHMS PR)(9-10-2008)
- Diamond Rio Headlines Sylvania 300 Pre-Race Spectacular: Award-winning recording artists Diamond Rio will headline a spectacular pre-race show at the SYLVANIA 300 on Sunday, September 14 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In addition to a sizzling, 45-minute concert, the band will also perform the National Anthem for the more than 105,000 guests in attendance at the speedway and a live TV audience of millions on ABC. Often recognized for their charitable contributions, Diamond Rio has received the coveted Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award. They are well known for their role as the National Spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters. To be a part of the start of the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup" and to enjoy the classic hits of Diamond Rio, please call the Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(9-9-2008)
- New Hampshire to keep two dates: It's now official. New Hampshire Motor Speedway will have two Sprint Cup events in 2009. NHMS officials said ticket renewals for the June 2009 event are in the mail and renewals for the September 2009 weekend will go out soon. Speculation has swirled around the one-mile oval since Speedway Motorsports Inc., led by Bruton Smith, purchased the track in November 2007 for $340 million. Many NASCAR followers thought Smith might move one of the New Hampshire Cup dates to the SMI facility in Las Vegas. The speculation increased with Smith's pending purchase of Kentucky Speedway, with some people believing Smith might move a New Hampshire race to Kentucky. Neither scenario is happening. The race on Sunday was the 27th consecutive sellout of a Cup event at NHMS, which has 91,000 grandstand seats. The track sold the final 3,000 tickets during the past four days. "We sold standing-room only tickets here today," Smith said. "If we add a race at Las Vegas, we will get it another way. I love the people here. They remind me a lot of the fans at Bristol [Motor Speedway] for their enthusiasm and their love of racing. It's like a religion here. I should have paid [former owner] Bob [Bahre] more, but don't tell him that." Smith said he still is studying ways to improve the speedway. He wants to add lights and a larger area for campers, but he said he has no plans to add a drag strip.(ESPN)(6-30-2008)
- Sellout at New Hampshire: Today's race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a sellout. As a matter of fact, it has been 27 straight years that there has been a Sprint Cup race sellout here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. There's standing room only on the backstretch.(Portland Press Herald)(6-29-2008)
- Elephant Race Removed from Pre-Race Show Line-up at NHMS: Due to last-minute permit issues, the elephant race scheduled as part of the pre-race activities Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway has been cancelled. "We didn't know until late yesterday that there were pachyderm permits required to move an elephant across state lines, and apparently, there are some health certifications required as well," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "We're disappointed, but we simply don't have the time to comply properly with all the federal procedures. Even without elephants frolicking on the frontstretch, race fans will still see
the most entertaining pre-race show in the history of the track Sunday with the Kansas concert and motorcycle stunt show."(NHMS PR)(6-28-2008)
- Limited Number of Tickets for New Hampshire: A limited number of grandstand tickets are available for Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor
Speedway. Tickets start at $60. Guests who purchase tickets by Wednesday will be eligible to win a $500 Sunoco gas card, watch the SYLVANIA 300 from a luxury suite, or have their mortgage or rent paid until December, 2008. Once all grandstand seats are sold, standing-room tickets will be made available before the start of Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301. "There seems to be some confusion by race fans that we are already sold out for Sunday," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the
speedway. "Though we are close to a sellout, we do have a limited number of tickets remaining, and we want to get that message out and encourage people to buy their tickets from our box office and not scalpers." Tickets are also available for Friday's Heluva Good! Pole Day activities, and Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series Camping World 200 presented by RVs.com, which includes the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour New England 100. Tickets start at $25 for adults. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 week events, go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(6-24-2008)
- Record Purse Totaling Nearly $7 Million Posted for New Hampshire week: Featuring one of the most lucrative purses per-mile in NASCAR racing, drivers competing in the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 week of events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will race for their share of a record purse that totals close to $7 million. The posted prize money of $6,977,328 awaits competitors among four NASCAR touring divisions. The purses for all series have increased from last June's races, and are the highest in New Hampshire Motor Speedway history. "Our NASCAR Sprint Cup purse is the sixth largest, per-mile, on the series schedule to date," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general
manager for the speedway. "They are racing in the seventh largest market (Boston) for a big payout in front of very loyal New England race fans. I can't wait for the green flag to drop next weekend!" Competitors participating in the NASCAR Sprint Cup LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 29, will race to claim their take of $5,383,710. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931. All ticket holders for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 who purchase a ticket prior to Wednesday, June 25, 2008 will be eligible to win a $500 Sunoco gas card, watch the SYLVANIA 300 from a luxury suite, or have their mortgage or rent paid until December, 2008.(NHMS PR)(6-24-2008)
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway Introduces New Tram System: Race fans visiting New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Week activities will find it easier to navigate around the 1,100-acre complex with the introduction of a new Disney-like tram system. The tram system, similar to that offered to visitors at Walt Disney World, will move guests from the parking and camping lots to grandstand area, providing a more efficient route to and from the races. This system, which features 10 trams and a designated route around New Hampshire Motor Speedway property, is being implemented as the initial step in New Hampshire Motor Speedway's efforts to place 'Fans First', according to speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens. Manufactured in Iowa by Featherlite, and sponsored by Nationwide, the five tandem trams seat 65 guests each, and will run continuously throughout the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 event weekend, starting on Friday, June 27. The trams will follow three different routes, which will service almost every corner of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway property. It is estimated that over 20,000 fans will be shuttled in the trams each day. In addition, more than 60 buses will be used to shuttle fans from outer parking areas as well. For more information on the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, please visit us online at www.nhms.com or call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(6-22-2008)
- Fans Will Notice Improvements at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: At first glance, fans attending the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 might not recognize New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but one look up and there is no doubt that they will know where they are. New Hampshire Motor Speedway is undergoing a new and improved look. Fans who pass the speedway are sure to notice the obvious improvements to the signs facing Route 106. The Main, North and South entrances are now marked with bigger and brighter signs, including modern, electronic message boards on two of the signs. Branding of New Hampshire Motor Speedway is evident on elevator towers, along the face of the VIP Suites and the main entrance. In addition, a new design is featured on the infield tunnel entrance and exit. Inside the property, upgrades continue. The grandstands will be identified with larger banners, making it easier for fans to find their seats. The bathrooms and concessions stands are now color-coded for easier identification. Additionally, 200 portable restrooms will be available during the event weekends. Routes around the property have been paved and redefined for more efficient traffic flow, and to enable lanes for the new tram system. New directional signage has been erected to guide guests out of the property after the race. The cosmetic enhancements are impressive, but less obvious changes will also make for a more enjoyable experience. Upgrades have been made to the PA system and the television compound to improve the fan experience. Besides being responsible to its guests, New Hampshire Motor Speedway also recognizes its need to be a good neighbor in the community. In an effort to be more 'green', all of dumpsters on property have been replaced with a new sealed system that keeps waste contained and is eventually transported off property. There is no doubt that New Hampshire Motor Speedway has transformed from the inside out. But no matter what it looks like, New Hampshire Motor Speedway's main focus still remains the same - to give the fans the best possible experience every time they come to visit. Tickets are still available for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14. For more information, visit online at www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(6-21-2008)
- Pit Passes remain at New Hampshire: A limited number of Pre-Race Pit Passes remain available for fans to purchase prior to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on
Sunday, June 29, 2008. For the first time in speedway history, a limited number of pit passes are being made available to ticket buyers. Pre-Race Pit-Passes are $100 each, and guests must be at least 18 years old to access the pits. To purchase a Pre-Race Pit Pass, or for more information on tickets for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(6-20-2008)
- Two SMI presidents deny tracks may lose race dates: The presidents of two Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks firmly dismissed the notions that their facilities could lose Sprint Cup dates in order to provide Kentucky Speedway with one. New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway have been mentioned as tracks that could lose a race, but NHIS President Jerry Gappens and AMS President Ed Clark shot down the idea that SMI Chairman Bruton Smith would ever do that. In fact, both presidents said they are planning to finalize sanctioning agreements with NASCAR on Friday morning for two races each in 2009. "Bruton has not given me any, any indication at all that he's looking to change anything," Gappens said. "...I don't think this will have any impact. I think there's more to the puzzle that he's got to finish completing to do some of the things he's thinking." Clark vehemently denied that his track, which has struggled with attendance recently, would have a date moved elsewhere. "I'm tired of people bringing that up, because I get so sick of answering it, I'm about to scream," he said. "You can go ask Bruton, you can ask me – there is no chance. It is not going to happen."(SceneDaily)(5-23-2008)
- Bahre Makes Large Donation To Loudon: Bob Bahre has sold his NASCAR racetrack in Loudon, but he's not forgetting the track's neighbors. Without fanfare, Bahre gave Loudon selectmen $450,000 this month and asked them to split it between a half dozen churches, the town library and students struggling to afford college. He said he didn't want them to make a big deal about where the money came from. Bahre helped many community organizations in the 20 years he ran the New Hampshire International Speedway before selling it last fall for $340 million. Library trustees and church elders are considering how to spend the money, and Merrimack Valley High School predicts the gift will help up to 15 of their students attend college in the fall.(wmur.com)(5-1-2008)
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway Launches New Internet Site: New Hampshire Motor Speedway has a totally new look on the worldwide web. NHMS.com maked its debut Wednesday with a design that is informative and fan-friendly. New features include a fan forum, where guests can share their experiences at the speedway, offer suggestions, and make new friends. Audio, video, and photo galleries will offer an inside look at the activities and growth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Interactive weekly polls will track the pulse of the fans on today’s most important racing questions.(NHMS PR)(4-17-2007)
- NHMS Tix Renewals Completed, all remaining tix on sale now: With annual ticket renewals and upgrades complete, all remaining tickets for the June 29 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) are now on sale, first-come, first-serve. "Our renewal rate is at an all-time high thanks to our loyal fans, and because last year's race featured an exciting duel in the final lap," said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor
Speedway. "NASCAR Sprint Cup racing is well-received here in the Northeast. All 26 of our Sprint Cup Series races have sold-out in advance. We want the general public to know that, if they act quickly, there is a window of opportunity to secure tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 from our box office at face value." The New Hampshire Motor Speedway ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling Guest Services at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting the Speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(2-27-2008)
- Speedway Motorsports Completes Purchase of New Hampshire Facility: Closing documents were completed today [1/11/2008], finalizing Speedway Motorsports, Inc.'s purchase of New Hampshire Speedway, Inc. d/b/a New Hampshire International Speedway, from Bob and Gary Bahre for $340 million in cash. The completed purchase was announced today by O. Bruton Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Smith also announced, to better align with other SMI-owned speedway brands, New Hampshire International Speedway was being renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a wonderful addition to our strong portfolio of tracks and provides the opportunity for our company to expand into a new market," said Smith. "Bob and his staff have made this a smooth transition since we announced our agreement in Texas on November 2. We look forward to many successes in our operation of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway." Earlier, Smith announced the promotion of long-time SMI executive Jerry Gappens to Executive Vice president and General Manager of the facility, which hosts two NASCAR Sprint (formerly NEXTEL) Cup Series events each year. Gappens has relocated from Charlotte, N.C. and has assumed his new duties at the Speedway.
"Thanks to the support of our loyal fans, dedicated sponsors, and wonderful employees, the Speedway has grown more than Gary and I ever could have imagined," said Bob Bahre, former Chairman of the Board. "We are looking forward to working with Bruton, Jerry, and their team and fully supporting them in their efforts to take this to a higher level for our fans." Bahre will remain associated with the facility he built as a consultant. Located on approximately 1,100 acres, the multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in New England and features a 1.058-mile oval speedway, with chairback seating for 92,000 spectators, and a 1.6-mile road course. The Speedway hosts the only Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide (formerly BUSCH) Series and Craftsman Truck Series events in the six-state New England region. Both Sprint Cup Series races regularly sell out and exceed the NFL Super Bowl in attendance. With the addition of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, SMI will own race tracks in the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West, including four of the nation's top-10 metropolitan markets. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. will promote 13 NASCAR-sanctioned Sprint Cup races in 2008 and nine NASCAR-sanctioned Nationwide Series events. Combined seating for the seven SMI facilities will exceed 850,000 permanent seats. Tickets for all NASCAR events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29 and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, are available online at www.nhms.com or by calling Guest Services at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(1-11-2008)
- July NHIS race gets an extra lap: It’s time for NASCAR to open the record books. Today, Lenox Industrial Tools and New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) announce they have gone the EXTRA MILE – literally – with the creation of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. For the first time in history, the length of a Sprint Cup Series race will be 301 laps. The EXTRA MILE was added in honor of Lenox customers – users and suppliers of industrial tools – who perform physically demanding jobs, yet receive little recognition. To celebrate their efforts, Lenox announces the EXTRA MILE HERO program. Lenox will conduct a hero search throughout 2008. Ten finalists will be chosen to receive a cash prize and a matching donation to a charity of their choice. One grand prize winner will have a chance to win one million dollars to split with their selected charity. Finalists will also be honored at the 2009 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at NHIS. “Our goal here at New Hampshire International Speedway is to always go the extra mile for our guests,” said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire International Speedway. “This is a great way, through our partnership with Lenox, to acknowledge everyone who goes
the extra mile each and every day. If you look at the history of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, how many times have you heard the second place driver say, ‘If I only had one more lap?’” Tickets for the June 29 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 are on sale now, buy calling Speedway’s Guest Services at (603) 783-4931 or visit www.nhis.com.(12-14-2007)
- New NHIS owner may have to comply with legal agreements in place: A legal agreement limiting alcohol sales and banning concerts, night racing and drag racing at New Hampshire International Speedway could tie the hands of the track's new owner. Earlier this month, Texas racing magnate O. Bruton Smith announced the purchase of the Loudon track from owner Bob Bahre for $340 million. Smith says his company will review the commitments Bahre made to neighbors and looks forward to a friendly relationship with them. Those commitments include a legal agreement negotiated with residents of neighboring Canterbury that limits alcohol sales and consumption in the track, bans certain types of events and requires noise and traffic mitigation during big events. The group, Concerned Racetrack Neighbors, negotiated the deal with Bahre and the Loudon Planning Board in 1989. They say they reached the agreement amicably, and its provisions were attached to the deed and plan to make sure it would carry over to subsequent owners.(AP/WCSH6.com and more at Concord Monitor)(11-14-2007)
- LMS's Gappens heading to NHMS [NHIS]: Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bruton Smith has promoted Jerry Gappens to the position of Executive Vice President and General Manager at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. On Nov. 2, Smith announced Speedway Motorsports Inc. had reached an agreement to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob and Gary Bahre. The $340 million transaction should close early in the first quarter of 2008, and the name of the facility will become New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Gappens, 46, has worked in the motorsports industry for 25 years and brings a successful 15-year track record of promoting SMI events to Loudon,
N.H. Most recently, Gappens served as senior vice president of events and marketing for Lowe's Motor Speedway, SMI's flagship facility located near Charlotte, N.C. Gappens was responsible for promoting a wide array of annual events hosted at the multi-use motorsports complex, including three Nextel Cup race weekends and three major car shows. A Windfall, Ind., native, Gappens joined LMS in 1993 as publicity director. He was promoted to director of communications in 1995 and named vice president of promotions and public relations in 1996. In 2002, Gappens was honored as NASCAR's Most Valuable Public Relations Representative. He was promoted to senior vice president of events and marketing at LMS in
2005. Prior to joining Lowe's Motor Speedway, Gappens worked as an account executive for Sales Consultants, a national contingency search firm in New Jersey. He also worked with National Speed Sport News, a leading weekly motorsports publication, for eight years and served as a pit reporter for ABC Sports' coverage of the Indianapolis 500; various CART, NASCAR and IROC races; and the Monaco Grand Prix Formula One event. Active in various civic and charitable organizations, Gappens has served on several boards in the Charlotte region, including the Charlotte Visitors and Convention Bureau, Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, UNC-Charlotte Athletic Foundation, Speedway Children's Charities and the 600 Festival. Gappens, who will relocate from Charlotte to New Hampshire, has two sons, Denny (22) and Wes (21). In 2008, New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup races, the Lenox Industrial Tools 300 on June 29 and the Sylvania 300 on Sept. 14. Ticket information can be obtained by calling (603) 783-4931 or online at www.nhis.com.(LMS PR)(11-14-2007)
- Statement from Bob Bahre about the NHIS sale: Bob Bahre, Chairman of the Board of New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS), on the agreement to sell NHIS to Speedway Motorsports, Inc. "Gary and I would like to thank all of our employees and loyal fans for their continued support of New Hampshire International Speedway over the past 18 years. Our success is due to their dedication and to the loyalty of our corporate partners including SYLVANIA, LENOX Industrial Tools, and Camping World. We look forward to working closely with Bruton Smith and his team during the upcoming transition and for years to come."(NHIS PR)(11-3-2007)
- Statement from Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO concerning New Hampshire being sold: Today’s announcement that Speedway Motorsports Inc. has purchased New Hampshire International Speedway is yet another indication that the NASCAR industry continues to grow and thrive. Capitalizing on NASCAR’s national appeal and growth, the Bahre family created a passionate fan base and developed a valuable venue that has hosted the largest sporting events in New England including 26 consecutive sellouts. The success of NHIS, and the desire of the Bahre family to sell, made the track very attractive to SMI and several other interested buyers. SMI has a highly regarded record for hosting some of the most successful and enjoyable race events in all of NASCAR, and there’s no doubt that will continue. While we don’t have any details about SMI’s plans for NHIS, all sanctions for 2008 have been signed and finalized. As a result, there will be no location changes to the 2008 schedule that was released last month. This is important to the fans, competitors, broadcast partners and sponsors who have already made plans for the 2008 races. Looking beyond 2008, NASCAR will continue to consider requests by any track operator, including SMI, to relocate race dates. Under NASCAR’s “realignment” plan, we have worked with track owners to relocate race dates to meet the needs of our growing national fan base. Ultimately, any change must meet NASCAR’s objectives and serve our fans. The industry owes Bob and Gary Bahre a debt of gratitude for their leadership and commitment to NASCAR. All of NASCAR wishes the Bahre family well during this time of transition. They will always be considered pioneers in NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(11-2-2007)
- OFFICIAL - SMI buys New Hampshire track, renames it: Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE:TRK) has agreed to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob and Gary Bahre for $340 million in cash. The agreement was announced today by O. Bruton Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2008. To align with other SMI-owned speedway brands, the track will be renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway following completion of the acquisition. The speedway, which opened in 1990 and hosts two Nextel Cup Series events each year, is located about one hour north of Boston in Loudon, N.H. According to the latest census numbers, the population within 200 miles of the speedway is more than 18 million people. The venue is easily accessible via Interstate highways from all metro areas in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Located on approximately 1,100 acres, the multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in New England and features a 1.058-mile oval speedway, with chair-back seating for 92,000 spectators, and a 1.6-mile road course. The speedway hosts the only Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series, and Craftsman Truck Series events held in the six-state New England region. Both Nextel Cup Series races regularly sell out and exceed the NFL Super Bowl in attendance. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our company to grow our business as we continue to invest in this sport and the motorsports industry," said Smith. Smith added that he has offered Bob Bahre the opportunity to remain associated as a consultant with the track that he built. In addition to the major NASCAR races, the track hosts several regional professional racing series, including the NASCAR Grand National Division, NASCAR Busch East Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Amateur series events complete the schedule with SCCA sports cars, motorcycles, World Karting Association go-karts and racing schools. New Hampshire Motor Speedway will join a strong portfolio of SMI facilities. The company also owns and operates Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.; Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.; and Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth, Texas. With this acquisition, the company will own race tracks in the West, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest, including four of the nation's top-10 metropolitan markets. The breakdown includes: the sixth-largest market (Infineon/San Francisco); the fifth-largest market (Texas/Dallas-Ft. Worth); the seventh-largest market (New Hampshire/Boston); the ninth-largest market (Atlanta); the 25th-largest market (Lowe's/Charlotte); the 41st-largest market (Las Vegas); and the 92nd-largest market (Bristol/Tri-Cities). Speedway Motorsports, Inc. will promote 13 NASCAR-sanctioned Sprint (formerly NEXTEL) Cup races in 2008 and nine NASCAR-sanctioned Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series events. Combined seating for the seven SMI facilities will exceed 850,000 permanent seats.(SMI PR)(11-2-2007)
- SMI buying NHIS? UPDATE 3: There is talk of an announcement on Thursday that will go a long way toward determining if Lowe's Motor Speedway will remain in its present location or go on the road to a neighboring community, as Smith has threatened. It all started in August, when Smith announced plans for a mega-drag strip complex on land adjacent to Lowe's Motor Speedway. SMI and city / county government had been discussing an economic package that could offer as much as $2.4 million for the construction of the strip, plus address the reported $200 million in improvements to LMS that Smith has been contemplating. On Friday of last week, Concord City Council reversed its earlier zoning decision, but that doesn't mean Smith will necessarily stay put. The announcement on Thursday will likely give the answer. Compare Smith's likely success in his quest to both improve his product by adding a drag strip and get help with needed improvements to infrastructure with the International Speedway Corp.'s failure to build a racetrack on Staten Island in New York City. Smith, if he chooses to make the improvements to the current facility, will have come out of the ruckus with tax incentives and possibly even a road (Speedway Boulevard) named in his honor. Thursday's rumored announcement will tell the tale.(NASCAR.com) and have heard that Smith could be buying the New Hampshire track, which could be the announcement....from a Charotte Observer article in part: [Bruton] Smith did give a couple of interviews on Charlotte radio stations on Wednesday [Oct 31]. He told WBT-AM (1110) and WFNZ-AM (610) that he has a “big” announcement planned for 2pm Friday. Presumably, that would come at Texas Motor Speedway, the track he owns near Fort Worth where NASCAR’s top three series will be racing this weekend. What (David Poole) called Smith to ask about Wednesday was whether he’d made a deal to buy New Hampshire International Speedway. Smith told (Poole) he has heard that John Henry and Jack Roush, the owners of Roush Fenway Racing (and, in Henry’s case, of the Boston Red Sox) were interested in buying that track. Smith said he has also heard that George Gillett, Ray Evernham’s partner, might want it. Or that Kentucky Speedway owner Jerry Carroll wants it. What (Poole) asked him, though, was whether he’s bought it, or has a deal to buy it. He tried to change the subject again, then finally said, “It’s unfortunate that you weren’t able to get up with me for a comment today.” But he also said that I might be able to reach him later this week [at Texas].(11-1-2007)
UPDATE 2: sources with knowledge of the deal indicated last night that O. Bruton Smith, CEO and chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., had entered into an agreement to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob Bahre, the track's 80-year-old chairman who is among a rare breed in NASCAR: the independent track owner/operator.
A press conference is expected to be held tomorrow at Texas Motor Speedway, one of six SMI-owned racing venues that stage 10 Nextel Cup events. With the acquisition of NHIS, that stands to grow to 12 Cup dates. Efforts to reach Bahre last night were unsuccessful. Reached last night, NHIS spokesman Fred Neergaard said, "There's nothing new to report." An SMI source, however, indicated Smith had reached an accord with Bahre, but was not clear as to the terms. SMI's racing empire includes Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which host one Cup event, and Bristol Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and Texas, which host two Cup dates. Texas won its second Cup date as part of a lawsuit settlement stemming from a complaint brought by Francis Ferko, an SMI shareholder, against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. Smith acquired his first Texas date and Bahre his second NHIS date after they partnered in 1996 to purchase North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway and split its two Cup dates. NASCAR, though, must approve and sanction all dates and race locations before any changes are made to the schedule. NASCAR, which has released its 2008 Sprint Cup schedule, has signed agreements with tracks for all 36 races next season. It had long been speculated that if NHIS were to be sold to Smith, it would take him no time to strip the track of its Cup dates. But, the SMI source suggested, that may not be the case. While NHIS could lose its July date to Las Vegas, SMI could salvage NHIS's spot on the NASCAR schedule by swapping Chase dates with Texas, thus making it the start of the Chase.(Boston Globe)(11-1-2007)
UPDATE 3: Buying a track with a Nextel Cup date and moving a race to Kentucky Speedway was one way owner Jerry Carroll thought he could get NASCAR's top division to his Sparta facility. Among the tracks Carroll pursued was New Hampshire International Speedway, but that no longer is an option. New Hampshire International Speedway chairman Bob Bahre confirmed to Carroll during a phone conversation Thursday that he has sold the Loudon, N.H., facility to O. Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Bahre's track annually hosts two Nextel Cup events.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(11-2-2007)
