Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet, 133.431 mph; Sept. 18, 2009 (Cup)
Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 130.716 mph; May 11, 2001 (Nationwide)
Mike Skinner, Toyota, 129.626 mph; Sept. 16, 2006 (Trucks)
Race Records
Jeff Burton, Ford, 117.134 mph; July 13, 1997 (Cup)
Bobby Hamilton Jr, Ford, 110.368 mph; May 11, 2002 (Nationwide)
Ron Hornaday Jr, Chevrolet, 109.780 mph; Sept. 15, 2007 (Trucks) History When the NASCAR Cup Series visited the New Hampshire International Speedway in July, 1993, it was the first time the series competed in the state. Additionally, it was the first time the series had run on a track that was completely new to the drivers in nearly 30 years.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series first appearance was in 1990. Needless to say, many Cup Series drivers were interested in trying out the course before the track was officially added to the schedule.
In addition to the Nationwide Series, New Hampshire also hosted the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Featherlite Modified Series, NASCAR Touring Division and the Busch North Series, NASCAR Touring Division, as well as American Motorcycle Association events.
Built on the site of a former motorcycle road circuit, New Hampshire is a low-banked oval with tight-radius turns which proved to be very challenging. The walls needed a lot of repainting after the initial practice session from both series.
That first race at New Hampshire was completed in 100-degree temperatures, unusual for the region. Mark Martin was the first polewinner with a lap of 126.871 mph, but Rusty Wallace won the inaugural event starting in the 33rd position leaving Martin the runner-up. Davey Allison finished third in what tragically ended up being his final Cup race. Allison was fatally injured in a helicopter crash the next week at Talladega Super Speedway.
In 1997, New Hampshire gained a second date removing North Wilkesboro Speedway from the circuit.
NHIS is located in Loudon, NH on Rt.106, approximately 10 miles north of Concord, NH. From the south, take I-93 to exit 15E (I-393). Take Exit #3. Turn onto Rt. 106 North. NHIS will be 10 miles north on the right. From the North, take I-93 to the Tilton Exit #20 to Rt. 140 through Belmont to Rt. 106 South. Follow Rt. 106 South to the Speedway which is approximately 8 miles.
