(Press Release from New Hampshire Motor Speedway)
LOUDON, NH – New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has approved a comprehensive action plan to allow fans to attend the rescheduled NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, Aug. 2. The race will be broadcast live on NBCSN, Sirius XM NASCAR radio and PRN affiliates worldwide at 3 p.m. ET.
The grandstands and suites at “The Magic Mile” will be open to race fans subject to social distancing requirements and additional health and safety protocols. The rescheduled Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 will be the largest fan event in New England since the onset of the pandemic.
“Holding New England’s premier NASCAR race this summer here in New Hampshire has always been a priority,” said Gov. Sununu. “The state worked closely with the folks at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the New Hampshire Division of Public Health to put forward comprehensive, operational guidance. While the stands will not be as full as they usually are, we are proud to be able to hold an in-person viewing experience for NASCAR fans.”
New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s modified protocols will include: social distancing in the grandstands and concession lines; enhanced cleaning and sanitation in high-touch, high-traffic public areas; added hand-sanitizer stations; limited guests in suites; and infield admission for race team and operational personnel only.
“I want to extend my deepest thanks to Gov. Sununu, our state and local health officials and NASCAR for their unwavering support through this unprecedented time, as they have all played a significant role in making this happen,” said David McGrath, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. “We’re extremely excited to welcome race fans to ‘The Magic Mile’ to enjoy the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 and to help us celebrate our 30th anniversary season.”
Fans will be allowed to bring food and unopened beverages in a soft-sided clear bag no larger than 14x14x14 inches. Standard coolers will be prohibited to limit interpersonal contact at security checkpoints. Cash will not be accepted at this event, however, credit, debit and Apple Pay will be the accepted forms of payment at concessions and souvenir locations. Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR will continue to adapt and improve procedures to ensure they are effective and can be scaled to support increasing the number of fans in the future.
The Foxwoods Resort Casino 301, originally scheduled for July 19, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets/Parking/Camping:
Ticketholders for the originally scheduled July 19 NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 and fans with other Speedway Motorsports ticket credits on file can utilize their credit for the Aug. 2 race. Adult tickets starting at $50 are on sale at www.NHMS.com/Events/Foxwoods-Resort-Casino-301/Tickets. Tickets for kids 12 and under are just $10. Free parking will be available in the S1, S2, S3 and S9 lots on Aug. 2. There will be no trams, camping or open bath houses for this event. Further details can be found on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway website.
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AWESOME !!! I’m there……….
Yet we can’t have a Saturday show? One more thing DaReal and Bob were wrong about though. I actually have too many tracks to choose from this weekend . Got Stafford, ACT/PASS at Oxford and a nice little 75 lap Late Model race at Star that is drawing cars from Seekonk and CT. About $3000 to win. Purse keeps growing by the hour. Feels like old times having choices and all. I’m all set for next weekend too. Race tickets and reservations are good to go. A little 4th of July getaway. Good fishing up in the White Mountains. Can’t wait!
According to News7 from Boston, the race will have 35% capacity (81,000 cap.) For the race. No cash allowed. Social distancing, and other restrictions in place. That means roughly 28,350 spectators. Tickets will be offered to lifetime ticket holders, previously bought ticket holders, then if any left will be sold first come basis.
Ole Timer Trivia
5 drivers have won the “most popular driver” award the same year they won the national championship, name them.
Rob P.
According to the information shared by the track GM David McGrath during an afternoon press conference, capacity will be capped at about 19,000. New Hampshire has done some seat removal in recent years.
Shawn, thanks for the clarification. I had seen the story on 7News from Boston. Goes to show, you can’t always believe what you hear. 19000 puts them at roughly 25% whereas the news had stated 35%
But again, thanks, keep up the great work you do.
Does anyone know if the race at stafford is going to be offered as a pay per view event as well??
Rob,
The number the state is allowing is 35 percent. Their seating capacity has been lowered in recent years by the removal of multiple sections of grandstand in turns three and four. So with their current seating capacity, 35 percent is about 19,000.
Now I get it. So the 81000 number the news gave was incorrect. Thanks again for the clarification. Either way it is good news though. It’s odd watching a cup race with empty stands, so this is a step in the right direction. Will fans be at Pocono this weekend?
Loudon also pulled out every other row in the remaining sections and replaced them with a drink bar. It looks like every row is still there but they aren’t. Makes social distancing that much easier even though it was actually done a year or two ago.
Good job Kaymen
Evans 1978 thru ’82
Jeff Fuller 1992
Stefanik 1997, ’98
Hirshman 2005
TC 2008
Mellisa Field was the last driver to win ” most popular driver” award in 2016. The award was discontinued in 2017.
Ole Timer Trivia
Yes Christopher has 1 late model win at Stafford. Who was the car owner? What number?
I got the email last night, I’m in. It’s going to be my first cup race.
JD, that’s some good information about the changes made, hadn’t heard that part of it before.
No camping-No reason to go. Only good thing is no traffic.
Rob A. Hope you enjoy your first cup race. Remember no cash accepted inside the facility. Stay hydrated, it gets really hot in those stands on a sunny day. Enjoy!
Glad the most popular driver award was discontinued. Only real race car drivers should win the award. And I won’t apologize for my honesty!
Blunt honesty Earl, I love it. The MPD award could be reimplemented, but the way it’s voted for needs to change. As far as to wether or not Mellisa is a “real” driver, ain’t going there. Everybody is entitled to their opinions. Thanks for the honesty though