New Hampshire Motor Speedway Kicks Off Its Gift Of Lights Display Friday

The switch was flipped on more then 2.5 million lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Friday as track officials kicked off their second Gift of Lights display.

New Hamsphire Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens, along with representatives from the Loudon Food Pantry and Concord Hospital, got the show started Friday.

“We get visitors from Canada, New York state, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island – this really is something that brings people in from all over,” Gappens said in a release from the track. “I think everybody has a good time and our hope is it becomes a tradition for all kids, from three to 93. This really is something for everyone.”

The Holiday themed drive-thru illumination show at the track has doubled in size from last year, showcasing a more than two-mile long route featuring more than 40 displays.

The speedway’s portion of the proceeds will once again be given to the New Hampshire chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities, an organization that cares for children in education, financial, social and medial need. The SCC distributed over $30,000 children’s charities throughout New England last year, including Concord Hospital in Concord, N.H.

“We’d like to thank the Speedway Children’s Charities for providing funding for The Family Place (maternity ward) last year,” said Deanne Pelletier, foundation and corporate relations officer at Concord Hospital. “We really appreciate the support the SCC gives us and all that it supports.”

The course begins at the Main Gate of the track on Route 106 in Loudon and winds around the outside of the grandstands and also includes a stretch of the road course.

The display will be open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Jan. 5. Tickets are $15 per car Sunday through Thursday and $20 per car on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors that bring three or more non-perishable food items will receive discounts in exchange for their donation.

“We appreciate everything the speedway does to help us, and the Gift of Lights is a perfect example of that,” said Sarah Houck of the Loudon Food Pantry. “They are able to help us out at a time (May-October) when there isn’t as much food, so it’s a big help to us with everything they’re able to provide.”