NASCAR This Weekend!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Thursday, September 22, 2011


FanFest
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Friday, September 23, 2011


SYLVANIA 300 Qualifying


New Hampshire 125 (K&N Pro Series East)
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Saturday, September 24, 2011


F.W. Webb 175 (Camping World Truck Series)


New Hampshire 100 (Whelen Modified Tour)


ACT Invitational (American-Canadian Tour)
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Sunday, September 25, 2011



SYLVANIA 300
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
(Starts at 2:00 pm)

[Jonas Pilot]

Anybody else go? It felt more like the summer than the fall race. It was hot and muggy. The race went by quickly with only three caution flags, two for debris and one for a spin by the #51 car. The crowd wasn't too bad. It looked pretty full except for the 3rd and fourth turn stands. Tony Stewart won in a complete turn around from last year's fall race. He was leading the race last year and ran out of gas with a lap or so to go turning over the front spot to the second place car driven by Clint Boyer who went on to win the race. This year, with Boyer leading the race and Stewart second, Boyer ran out with three laps left relinquishing the lead and the checkered flag to Stewart. Stewart's win last week at ChicagoLand Speedway and yesterdays win puts him in first place in the "Chase Race".

[gtxrider]

Went to see the Modifieds and Trucks on Saturday and the Cup Race on Sunday. Good race but Jr. had tire troubles.

I had a 2 hour wait to get out of the parking lot!

[AB_Monterey]

We were there on Sunday.

Out of the north lot in less than 10 minutes. One of the guys took us in the back way. Most of the crowd must've not been locals because as we turned off RT106, no one followed. Couple of the guys had sat in 2 hour traffic in the past and they were amazed at how quickly we were home.

Dodge car finished 2nd!

[moose tracks]

I went to the race Saturday and had no problem getting out of the parking lot. Sunday it was the usual total chaos we have experienced in the past. We were parked in the North lot and it took 1 ½ hours before they would even let cars move out of the lot. It took another hour to inch our way out of the parking lot and get up RT 106 north for a total of 2 ½ hours to get to Tilton. I normally only go to the track on Saturday because I hate sitting in the car for 2 1/2 hours on Sunday.
AB – How did you get out of the lot in 10 mins? Can you share your method?
(GO Penske Racing!)

[AB_Monterey]

First off, when you get there, park in the very first lot nearest the entrance. You can take the shuttle bus up to get in if you'd rather not walk up the hill.

Do not take the shuttle back. You need to walk back and it's much faster if you follow the crowd and cut through the woods.

Directions:

From Epsom circle going North on 28

Turn Left on Loudon Road (just past Dunkin Donuts) If you go to the intersection with traffic light, you've gone too far.

Follow Loudon Road (which becomes Pittsfield Road) to intersection of 129 and Youngs Hill Road (Youngs Hill Road will be across from you at stop sign) turn right at stop sign on to Rte 129.

Follow 129 short distance and turn Left on to Loudon Ridge Road.

Follow Loudon Ridge Road to intersection of Rte 106.

Turn left and go South on Rte 106

Note: If taking same route on return, watch for Youngs Hill Road and turn left on to Pittsfield Road (I dont believe there is a sign for Pittsfield Road)

[RLW]

Who the heck is going to remember the directions a year from now never mind this particular thread to refer back to. LOL

[AB_Monterey]

Moose tracks asked for directions.

I provided them.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by AB_Monterey

Moose tracks asked for directions.

I provided them.

I soorry as I was only joking.

[SIKSUKR]

Enter and exit from the north.

[jmen24]

Originally Posted by RLW

Who the heck is going to remember the directions a year from now never mind this particular thread to refer back to. LOL

Hopefully nobody will. That is all we need is more people racing down our roads to be the first person out of town.

You signed up to go to an event that holds over 100K people in a town that has a pop. of 5K or so. Expect some delay and plan that as a part of your trip.

If you are going to take the backroads, pay attention to the speed limits and remember that you are not a professional race car driver on a closed course.

[AB_Monterey]

and wear your seat belt.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by jmen24

Hopefully nobody will. That is all we need is more people racing down our roads to be the first person out of town.

You signed up to go to an event that holds over 100K people in a town that has a pop. of 5K or so. Expect some delay and plan that as a part of your trip.

If you are going to take the backroads, pay attention to the speed limits and remember that you are not a professional race car driver on a closed course.

So mot it be.....

[Winnisquamguy]

Just wanted to give everyone heads up there will be a tire test at NHMS coming up in May. I got this off Nascar.Com

At the end of this stretch of tire testing will be New Hampshire, scheduled for May 8-9.
There, Goodyear will be looking to standardize its mile-track tire setup with what it found at Phoenix International Raceway.
"At New Hampshire, we're looking to incorporate similar construction changes to that which we found to be successful at Phoenix," Stucker said. "We've been happy with the results of that construction combination at Phoenix, and our goal is to adapt it to Loudon."
Teams scheduled to test at New Hampshire are the No. 27 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet with Paul Menard, No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Toyota with Bobby Labonte, No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet with Regan Smith, No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford with Carl Edwards.

[gtxrider]

I planned to be there for the Vintage Racing Celebration from May 10-13 so I may head up a day or two earlier.

I wonder if I can run a lap or two in the 88, perhaps no.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

I wonder if I can run a lap or two in the 88, perhaps no.

It doesn't hurt to ask though does it?

[John A. Birdsall]

Never mind running laps in the car, just run a few laps and you will feel wonderful, and perhaps get a full nights sleep!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Friday, September 21, 2012 - Sunday, September 23, 2012



NASCAR at NHMS

[upthesaukee]

Large Lighted Traffic Sign at the Alton Circle is showing a traffic alert for heavy traffic on Sunday from approximately 4 PM to 8 PM. It will be the Fall edition of the NASCAR crawl which affects Rtes 140, 11, and 28 in Alton, once the race is over and the fans start leaving.

Plan to leave early, or stay late.

[Happy Gourmand]

We have found that if we leave Meredith between 2 or 3ish, that we easily beat the after race traffic.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

If you delay your trip and head home after the race, you will often get to see the big rigs carrying the race cars. Some of these rigs are absolutely amazing!

[gtxrider]

I plan to be there on Sunday and hope to make the modifieds running on Saturday if I can get myself out of New Jersey on time. Anyone else planning on attending?

I think I'll slap a number on the side of my car and see how it goes. That's the beast by the garages last May. Also a legendary car running...can you name who drove the 61? Hint, he is in the Nascar Hall of Fame.

[Meredith Resident]

After last fall's boring race (only 3 cautions) and last summers awful hot and yet again boring race, we have decided to not buy tickets anymore. This seems to be a problem nationwide as NASCAR ticket sales have plummeted. The current way that NASCAR calculates points results in most drivers playing it ultra conservative and they now sit pretty for 299 laps. We can easily DVR through this at home. Sorry Jerry G.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

Anyone else planning on attending?

Yes I will be there with my wife and a few buddies, sitting in Concord.

FYI for everyone else this start time is 2:00 pm not the usual 1:00 pm

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Meredith Resident

After last fall's boring race (only 3 cautions) and last summers awful hot and yet again boring race, we have decided to not buy tickets anymore. This seems to be a problem nationwide as NASCAR ticket sales have plummeted. The current way that NASCAR calculates points results in most drivers playing it ultra conservative and they now sit pretty for 299 laps. We can easily DVR through this at home. Sorry Jerry G.

My brother and I had tickets to both the July and Sept races for over ten years. At the time, there was a waiting list of over 30K people wanting tickets. Now they can't even sell out either race. We gave them up about 5 years ago. I was just offered free $100 seats in the main grandstand last night and passed on the chance. Nascar has peaked.......

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

My brother and I had tickets to both the July and Sept races for over ten years. At the time, there was a waiting list of over 30K people wanting tickets. Now they can't even sell out either race. We gave them up about 5 years ago. I was just offered free $100 seats in the main grandstand last night and passed on the chance. Nascar has peaked.......

I think you're right about NASCAR reaching its peak. We had tickets for several years to all the races, including access to the tents. Gave them up several years ago. We have been offered FREE tickets to just about every race in the past 5 years, only used them once to take our grandson. he's a huge Jimmy Johnson fan. He fell asleep, we got bored and left early.
The view is much better from my leather recliner...

[Steveo]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

If you delay your trip and head home after the race, you will often get to see the big rigs carrying the race cars. Some of these rigs are absolutely amazing!

Even better is to go to Laconia Airport and check out the racers fleet of planes. Most are labeled with who they belong to.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Steveo

Even better is to go to Laconia Airport and check out the racers fleet of planes. Most are labeled with who they belong to.

I did that a few years ago... It is amazing to watch the pace at the airport, helicopters, and planes, moving around quickly getting owners, drivers and crew chiefs headed towards home.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

My brother and I had tickets to both the July and Sept races for over ten years. At the time, there was a waiting list of over 30K people wanting tickets. Now they can't even sell out either race. We gave them up about 5 years ago. I was just offered free $100 seats in the main grandstand last night and passed on the chance. Nascar has peaked.......

I don't know that I agree that Nascar has peaked. I think the northeast was race starved for years, and when Loudon first started having the races, everybody was johnny on the spot and had to go... Much like when the patriots started winning...

There aren't as many continuous season ticket holders any more, I myself gave mine up, because quite honest it was getting too expensive. And well as the economy tanked, and gas prices went through the roof, I decided there was better things I could be doing with the money.

Once the economy improves, and gas price at least stabilize, I believe you will see Nascar at Loudon once again selling out. Sure it is not the most exciting race, but There is nothing like the tail gating experience at the track.

Its really about the extra income that people have. Right now everyone has tightened the belts, and between tickets and other expense, taking the family to Nascar, at 600$ or $700 dollars for the day, just doesn't make sense.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Its really about the extra income that people have. Right now everyone has tightened the belts, and between tickets and other expense, taking the family to Nascar, at 600$ or $700 dollars for the day, just doesn't make sense.

I don't understand where you would spend $600-$700 dollars you are not going to a Red Sox or Patriots game. You can get 4 tickets, with 4 soda's and 4 hotdogs for $99.00 parking is free. You also can pack your own cooler and bring in your own food and drinks. You need gas $$ and a 100 bill.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

I don't understand where you would spend $600-$700 dollars you are not going to a Red Sox or Patriots game. You can get 4 tickets, with 4 soda's and 4 hotdogs for $99.00 parking is free. You also can pack your own cooler and bring in your own food and drinks. You need gas $$ and a 100 bill.

At Loudon? I know Wal Mart has this special at some NASCAR events in other states but I don't think Loudon is one of them.

[Slickcraft]

I'll take a day on Welch Island or hiking in the Belknap Range over the crowds, noise, traffic and fumes.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

I'll take a day on Welch Island or hiking in the Belknap Range over the crowds, noise, traffic and fumes.

Agree, unfortunately if your not a fan it still effects you. There are not many places you can go in the area and not be caught up in the traffic.
Thankfully it only happen twice a year.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by Rusty

At Loudon? I know Wal Mart has this special at some NASCAR events in other states but I don't think Loudon is one of them.

Yes they do/did.. it was advertised on The Morning Buzz for the longest time.

[Jonas Pilot]

Richie Evens was car # 61. I saw him run at Thompson Speedway.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

Yes they do/did.. it was advertised on The Morning Buzz for the longest time.

I know the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 in Loudon on July 15 had the Walmart Family Track Pack which was the $99 package for families of four race tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and one program.

However I haven't read or heard about that ticket special being for the upcoming Loudon race.

However if you say they do/did then that is a good thing.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I know the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 in Loudon on July 15 had the Walmart Family Track Pack which was the $99 package for families of four race tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and one program.

However I haven't read or heard about that ticket special being for the upcoming Loudon race.

However if you say they do/did then that is a good thing.

I could not find anything still available now but here is one at the top of Google.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Great Deals in Manchester, New ...

www.vivamanchvegasdeals.com/business.cfm?id=4684
Get four (4) tickets to the Sylvania 300 race on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 2pm! PLUS, get four hot dogs and four sodas! A $400 value, you pay only $99.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

I could not find anything still available now but here is one at the top of Google.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Great Deals in Manchester, New ...

www.vivamanchvegasdeals.com/business.cfm?id=4684
Get four (4) tickets to the Sylvania 300 race on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 2pm! PLUS, get four hot dogs and four sodas! A $400 value, you pay only $99.

I think you are sort of helping me make my point. Interest and attendance at NASCAR races has dropped off so much that they literally have to give away tickets in order to attract people to attend. The cheapest ticket in the place these days is about $80 face value. Mine were $115 when I gave them up.

BT

[NoRegrets]

There are true fans and the fair weather fans. There are less fair weather fans going to the race and tickets are now plentiful. From the mid ninties to about four years ago it was impossible to find one!

This year they had a B-52 bomber do the fly over! It made a sharp banking turn to the west over the west part of Laconia. The history of the plane and the profile it makes in the air cannot be matched.

We left the lake at 7 PM and had no traffic issues heading south. NH does a great job for these two major sporting events in Loudon.

(I am a fair weather fan)

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

I think you are sort of helping me make my point. Interest and attendance at NASCAR races has dropped off so much that they literally have to give away tickets in order to attract people to attend. The cheapest ticket in the place these days is about $80 face value. Mine were $115 when I gave them up.

BT

You could say that the empty seats in the stand this weekend evident in the overhead shots prove your point as well....

But, I still believe that the real issue is not that Nascar has peaked. But rather the economy is taking its toll.....

They offer packages like this every year, once they get down to the week before the race.... Some years they offer it with pit passes too..... So that they can fill the stands.... I went to my first race about 6 or seven years ago, and remember them doing this.....

The bottom line remember is that for a serious fan, you are looking at 100 minimum ticket price.... for a family of four that is 400$ gas to get to the race and back home again, if you live out of state 100$.... so now lets go back to that deal... 100$ for your package of 4... gas is still 100$ so now we are 200$..... no lets factor in breakfast, additional snacks during the race... a hot dog will not cover it.... and of course if the kids are coming souvenirs... I don't care if you have a special or not... a day at a nascar event with a family is $500 minimum...

Bottom line in this economy nascar, the NFL, and any major sporting event are luxaries, that people can't afford. Attendance is down period....

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

You could say that the empty seats in the stand this weekend evident in the overhead shots prove your point as well....

But, I still believe that the real issue is not that Nascar has peaked. But rather the economy is taking its toll.....

They offer packages like this every year, once they get down to the week before the race.... Some years they offer it with pit passes too..... So that they can fill the stands.... I went to my first race about 6 or seven years ago, and remember them doing this.....

The bottom line remember is that for a serious fan, you are looking at 100 minimum ticket price.... for a family of four that is 400$ gas to get to the race and back home again, if you live out of state 100$.... so now lets go back to that deal... 100$ for your package of 4... gas is still 100$ so now we are 200$..... no lets factor in breakfast, additional snacks during the race... a hot dog will not cover it.... and of course if the kids are coming souvenirs... I don't care if you have a special or not... a day at a nascar event with a family is $500 minimum...

Bottom line in this economy nascar, the NFL, and any major sporting event are luxaries, that people can't afford. Attendance is down period....

Fair enough....time will tell.

BT

[jrc]

I'm not a NASCAR fan, some people are born into it, some aquire it and some just don't get it. It's a lot like soccer.

I hope the races stay here and they get the crowds they need. It's a huge part of the NH tourist revenue and that drives some of our economy. If you want NH to have a viable state government and people to have jobs, you need something. NH is a tourist state, we need the bike rally, fishing derbys, auto races, we need attractive towns, and of course the lakes.

[rick35]

Originally Posted by NoRegrets

There are true fans and the fair weather fans. There are less fair weather fans going to the race and tickets are now plentiful. From the mid ninties to about four years ago it was impossible to find one!

This year they had a B-52 bomber do the fly over! It made a sharp banking turn to the west over the west part of Laconia. The history of the plane and the profile it makes in the air cannot be matched.

We left the lake at 7 PM and had no traffic issues heading south. NH does a great job for these two major sporting events in Loudon.

(I am a fair weather fan)

We left the lake a little after 7 thinking that the traffic would be over - not quite. Several miles north of Concord the State Police set up a 10 mph rolling roadblock in both southbound lanes. When we finally got to Concord the roadblock ended. There was still a lot of clean up going on with cone removal and I'm thinking the police figured a rolling roadblock was better than spending 20 minutes stopped on the highway. I didn't think it was a great idea then (ask my wife) but when I finally figured out what was going on I changed my attitude. The highway folks and police do a great job with traffic management. I just hope the races stay in NH. We need the business that it brings.

I watched the first few minutes of the beginning of the race on TV and when the B-52 flew over the track I figured it might keep heading out over the lake. I jumped up and went out on the deck only to see it bank left and disappeared to the west. A low altitude buzz over the lake would have been impressive.

[Happy Gourmand]

It will be interesting to see if Bruton Smith moves one of our NH races to one of his other perhaps more lucrative tracks. There was a lot of silver (empty seats) showing especially from the aerial shots from the blimp. Many were surprised that we had 2 races this year. I haven't heard any attendance reports, I wonder how many of the 90,000 or so seats were filled.

[tis]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

It will be interesting to see if Bruton Smith moves one of our NH races to one of his other perhaps more lucrative tracks. There was a lot of silver (empty seats) showing especially from the aerial shots from the blimp. Many were surprised that we had 2 races this year. I haven't heard any attendance reports, I wonder how many of the 90,000 or so seats were filled.

Wasn't there quite a bit of talk about that when it first got sold?

[bilproject]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

I don't know that I agree that Nascar has peaked. I think the northeast was race starved for years, and when Loudon first started having the races, everybody was johnny on the spot and had to go... Much like when the patriots started winning...

There aren't as many continuous season ticket holders any more, I myself gave mine up, because quite honest it was getting too expensive. And well as the economy tanked, and gas prices went through the roof, I decided there was better things I could be doing with the money.

Once the economy improves, and gas price at least stabilize, I believe you will see Nascar at Loudon once again selling out. Sure it is not the most exciting race, but There is nothing like the tail gating experience at the track.

Its really about the extra income that people have. Right now everyone has tightened the belts, and between tickets and other expense, taking the family to Nascar, at 600$ or $700 dollars for the day, just doesn't make sense.

Being involved in racing since high school ( Dirt track stock cars and later 410 sprint cars) I enjoyed watching Nascar when it first came on TV up until a few years ago. Nascar has played with it's rules to much in an effort to make all the cars equal, and as a result the drivers just ride around waiting for the last 25 laps to make a move. This weekends race was a good example. If it were not for 3 questionable "debris cautions" you would have only seen 6 cars on the lead lap and 80K fans sleeping in the stands. The "lucky dog" is another joke where multiple drivers get back a lap they did not earn. What does Nascar do to try to bring back excitment? Shorten the races! Now we're bored for less time! I say scrap the car of Yesterday and have limited body and chassis rules, have Goodyear make a tire that only lasts a little longer than a fuel run and gives superior grip when new. Go back to a points system that rewards front runners and you'll not want to nap through another race. And oh yah get rid of the 1.5 mile cookie cutter tracks. Bring back or build tracks with character like the Rock where you can never find a setup thats perfect in every turn. We have 2 of the best tracks in the NE in Loudon and Dover. You can't beat a 1 mile track for large heavy stock cars and those are two of the best facilities. However, the scenery and food is better at Loudon. Plus it's another excuse to be at the Lake.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by bilproject

Being involved in racing since high school ( Dirt track stock cars and later 410 sprint cars) I enjoyed watching Nascar when it first came on TV up until a few years ago. Nascar has played with it's rules to much in an effort to make all the cars equal, and as a result the drivers just ride around waiting for the last 25 laps to make a move. This weekends race was a good example. If it were not for 3 questionable "debris cautions" you would have only seen 6 cars on the lead lap and 80K fans sleeping in the stands. The "lucky dog" is another joke where multiple drivers get back a lap they did not earn. What does Nascar do to try to bring back excitment? Shorten the races! Now we're bored for less time! I say scrap the car of Yesterday and have limited body and chassis rules, have Goodyear make a tire that only lasts a little longer than a fuel run and gives superior grip when new. Go back to a points system that rewards front runners and you'll not want to nap through another race. And oh yah get rid of the 1.5 mile cookie cutter tracks. Bring back or build tracks with character like the Rock where you can never find a setup thats perfect in every turn. We have 2 of the best tracks in the NE in Loudon and Dover. You can't beat a 1 mile track for large heavy stock cars and those are two of the best facilities. However, the scenery and food is better at Loudon. Plus it's another excuse to be at the Lake.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying but 300 miles is the shortest you want to see a race. People and sponsors don't want it to be over in 1-1/2 hrs they want to get their moneys worth, as well as the tv guys.Every track needs to be a little different and the tires should last about the same as a fuel run. You need less than 43 cars starting a race then maybe some of their sponsorship money will move over to other teams. 35 should be that number. It also needs to get back to some old beating and banging and where the drivers show some emotions. Nascar racing was blue collar racing it has now turned into white collar just like the superbowl. I also agree we have a prime spot here in NH...but word is we are going to lose the September race to Vegas.

[Winnisquamguy]

LOUDON — The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is asking residents their opinions about night racing in response to overwhelming fan requests, according to the track’s executive vice president and general Jerry Gappens said the track, working with the town on its upcoming master plan update survey, added a question regarding night racing “to see if there could be a day in the foreseeable future to have lights for our July NASCAR races” so fans could avoid the heat of the day.

The survey, which will be included in the town’s October newsletter and featured on its web site, is designed to gather input from residents about potential changes and improvements in town in the coming decade.

Gappens said the track asked about night racing as well as future traffic patterns.

“We’re trying to be completely honest and open in our community, and the fact is that it’s becoming more and more of an issue. Ninety percent of the feedback we’ve had favors night races in July because people have said they have been hot and uncomfortable in the daytime,” he said.

The past four July NASCAR races have had declining attendance, as opposed to the September races, which have been more steadily attended, Gappens said.

Part of that decline has been due to the sluggish economy, he said, but in feedback received through fan forums and other methods, race fans have said they don’t like the 80- to 90-degree heat during July.

With night racing, the Friday-Sunday event would switch to a Friday and Saturday night racing schedule, he said.

The track has been working under a legal agreement between the founder of what is now New Hampshire Motor Speedway and a group calling itself “Concerned Racetrack Neighbors.”

The 1989 agreement with track founder Bob Bahre, which prohibits night racing, is still binding on Speedway Motorsports Inc., the track’s current owner.

The nature of NASCAR racing has changed since that agreement was made, Gappens said. In 1989, only one NASCAR race site had lighting. Now about half of NASCAR tracks across the country have lights and night racing, he said, and the industry is trending in that direction.

Installing lights at the track, which is not forbidden under the agreement, would be a $3 million to $5 million investment for Speedway Motorsports, Gappens said. The company already has made that investment at six of its eight tracks, he said.

“This is the one major area that has been very restrictive on our new business in Loudon,” he said.

Arnie Alpert, a Canterbury resident who said he lives “about a half-mile from the speedway as the decibels fly,” was among area residents who secured the agreement with Bahre in 1989. He said he and other residents are still against the idea of night racing.

In July, in fact, he sent a note to Gappens complaining about a late race start that went into the evening.

“It’s a quality-of-life issue; the races are very noisy,” he said. “We still have a binding legal agreement.”

http://www.unionleader.com/article/2...TS11/709269928

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

LOUDON — The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is asking residents their opinions about night racing in response to overwhelming fan requests, according to the track’s executive vice president and general Jerry Gappens said the track, working with the town on its upcoming master plan update survey, added a question regarding night racing “to see if there could be a day in the foreseeable future to have lights for our July NASCAR races” so fans could avoid the heat of the day.

The survey, which will be included in the town’s October newsletter and featured on its web site, is designed to gather input from residents about potential changes and improvements in town in the coming decade.

Gappens said the track asked about night racing as well as future traffic patterns.

“We’re trying to be completely honest and open in our community, and the fact is that it’s becoming more and more of an issue. Ninety percent of the feedback we’ve had favors night races in July because people have said they have been hot and uncomfortable in the daytime,” he said.

The past four July NASCAR races have had declining attendance, as opposed to the September races, which have been more steadily attended, Gappens said.

Part of that decline has been due to the sluggish economy, he said, but in feedback received through fan forums and other methods, race fans have said they don’t like the 80- to 90-degree heat during July.

With night racing, the Friday-Sunday event would switch to a Friday and Saturday night racing schedule, he said.

The track has been working under a legal agreement between the founder of what is now New Hampshire Motor Speedway and a group calling itself “Concerned Racetrack Neighbors.”

The 1989 agreement with track founder Bob Bahre, which prohibits night racing, is still binding on Speedway Motorsports Inc., the track’s current owner.

The nature of NASCAR racing has changed since that agreement was made, Gappens said. In 1989, only one NASCAR race site had lighting. Now about half of NASCAR tracks across the country have lights and night racing, he said, and the industry is trending in that direction.

Installing lights at the track, which is not forbidden under the agreement, would be a $3 million to $5 million investment for Speedway Motorsports, Gappens said. The company already has made that investment at six of its eight tracks, he said.

“This is the one major area that has been very restrictive on our new business in Loudon,” he said.

Arnie Alpert, a Canterbury resident who said he lives “about a half-mile from the speedway as the decibels fly,” was among area residents who secured the agreement with Bahre in 1989. He said he and other residents are still against the idea of night racing.

In July, in fact, he sent a note to Gappens complaining about a late race start that went into the evening.

“It’s a quality-of-life issue; the races are very noisy,” he said. “We still have a binding legal agreement.”

http://www.unionleader.com/article/2...TS11/709269928

On a good day I can hear the cars at my house in Belmont. I can only imagine what it sounds like 1/2 mile away. Especially since many who attend wear ear muffs to block out the noise.