Full Breakdown
New Hampshire Motor Speedway Hosts NASCAR Playoffs Weekend
9/20/2025, 2:41:38 PM
Kickoff with Hauler Parade and On-Track Action
New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) in Loudon, New Hampshire, marked the beginning of its inaugural NASCAR Playoffs weekend with a historic hauler parade through downtown Concord on Friday. The event attracted a large crowd of NASCAR fans, who lined the streets to witness the colorful transporters escorted by police, culminating in Governor Kelly Ayotte waving the green flag to officially start the festivities. The day featured a full schedule of on-track activities, including practice and qualifying for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS).
Justin Bonsignore, a three-time NWMT race winner, secured the pole position for Saturday’s Mohegan Sun 100, emphasizing the importance of winning at this pivotal moment in the season. “It’s always important to win the pole. This is our biggest race of the season,” Bonsignore stated, highlighting the competitive stakes. Meanwhile, Corey Heim, the current points leader in the NCTS, also earned the top spot for the Team EJP 175, noting the significance of track position in the race.
Evening of Dirt Racing and Upcoming Events
The opening day concluded with the annual SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels at The Flat Track, showcasing various dirt racing disciplines. Notable winners included Travis Billington and Robert Leonard, with the latter benefiting from a miscommunication during the race. The excitement continues on Saturday with the Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race, the Team EJP 175 NCTS race, and NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) practice and qualifying. The weekend will culminate on Sunday with the NCS race, the Mobil 1 301, marking the start of the Round of 12 in the playoffs.
Official Statements & Responses
NHMS officials expressed enthusiasm for the weekend's events, emphasizing the significance of hosting New England’s only NASCAR Playoffs weekend. The speedway's commitment to providing a thrilling experience for fans was evident in the diverse range of activities planned, including concerts and driver appearances.
Criticism & Opposition
While the weekend's festivities were largely celebrated, some local residents raised concerns about traffic disruptions and noise associated with the events. However, the overall sentiment among attendees was one of excitement and anticipation for the races.
What's Next
Following the New Hampshire events, the NASCAR Cup Series will continue its playoff journey, with the next race scheduled at Kansas Speedway. Fans can expect a packed schedule of races leading up to the championship, with each event playing a crucial role in determining the playoff standings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s always important to win the pole. This is our biggest race of the season. We’re behind in the points right now, so we’ve got to go out and try to win as much as we can and see what we can do.” — Justin Bonsignore, NWMT Driver
- “Track position makes a huge different, so starting on the pole is important.” — Corey Heim, NCTS Driver
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway's NASCAR Playoffs weekend promises to be a memorable occasion, blending competitive racing with community engagement and fan festivities.
