New Hampshire Motor Speedway
4.6(3.0K)google
3.8(32)yelp
Youth-FriendlyOutdoorThrillingCity LandmarkSports
Overview
New Hampshire Motor Speedway (formerly known as New Hampshire International Speedway from 1989 to 2007, Bryar Motorsports Park from 1965 to 1989, and as 106 Midway Raceway from 1961 to 1964) is a 1.058 mi (1.703 km) oval track in Loudon, New Hampshire. It has hosted various major races throughout its existence, including NASCAR, IndyCar, modified races, and the Loudon Classic. The venue has a capacity of 44,000 as of 2024.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeMust be visited during major NASCAR race weekends or New Hampshire Motorcycle Week in June or July. Arrive by 11:00 AM on race days; the energy is electric as the massive grandstands fill up. Mid-day sun provides crisp visibility to view the active pit lane modifications and experience authentic high-octane American motorsport culture.
Getting ThereLocated in Loudon at 1122 NH-106. Driving is required due to the massive scale of the sporting complex. From Concord, drive north on US-106 N for roughly 9 miles; the stadium framework is highly visible on the left. The speedway surrounds massive open-air grass and asphalt event parking fields.
Travel Tips
- NASCAR race weeks and Bike Week paralyze Route 106 completely; through-travelers without event tickets must bypass the zone entirely via Interstate 93.
- Grandstands permit only soft-sided bags under 14x14 inches; hard-sided coolers, glass containers, and outside alcohol are confiscated at security gates.
- The stadium seating lacks shade structures; high-decibel race noise exceeds 100 dB, rendering professional ear protection and sunblock non-negotiable gear.
Reviews
Positive
- The atmosphere on race day is absolutely electric and wild; the roar of the engines is deafening, a must-visit for racing fans.
- The entire speedway facility is massive with grandstands engineered to ensure spectators get a clear view of the overtaking action.
- The parking infrastructure is vast, capable of holding thousands of cars, with plenty of traffic personnel managing the flow.
- The winter 'Gift of Lights' event is spectacular, allowing families to drive their own cars on the track wrapped in holiday lights.
Heads up
- During major race events, surrounding roads experience horrific traffic jams, and leaving the parking lot can take hours.
- Food and merchandise inside are insanely overpriced; a bottle of water or basic fast food is heavily marked up.
- The engine noise is extraordinarily loud; without professional ear protection (especially for kids), it becomes unbearable.
- The grandstands offer virtually no shade, leaving you exposed to the blistering summer sun for hours, risking heat exhaustion.