Sylvania 300: New Hampshire Int'l Speedway
Cup Qualifying Record
Ryan Newman, Dodge, 133.357 mph; September 12, 2003
Cup Race Record
Jeff Burton, Ford, 117.134 mph; July 13, 1997
Track Length: 1.058-miles (300 laps = 317.4 miles)
Race Length: 317.4 Miles Miles
Grandstand Seating Capacity: 91,000
First Race: July 11, 1993 - Slick 50 300
Banking in Corners: 12 degrees
Banking on Straights: 2 degrees
Frontstrech: 1,500 feet
Backstretch: 1,500 feet
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 Busch 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 Busch Series, New Hampshire also hosted the 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.
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