USA Today 301

The New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which opened its doors in 1990, initially gained recognition for hosting motorcycle racing events. The Loudon Classic, the longest-running motorcycle race in the country, remains a prominent fixture at the track. In 1993, the NASCAR Cup Series welcomed the New Hampshire Motor Speedway to its calendar with the Slick 50 300. Over the years, sponsorship transitions resulted in the event being named the Jiffy Lube 300 from 1996 to 1999.

In 1993, NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, a former champion, triumphed in the inaugural Cup Series race at the speedway. Jeff Burton made history by securing back-to-back victories in 1997, 1998, and 1999, becoming the first driver to achieve this feat.

The year 2000 marked a significant change as the race adopted a new name, the thatlook.com 300. However, it also brought a somber moment in Cup Series history. Kenny Irwin Jr. tragically lost control of his car during practice, resulting in a fatal crash and marking the first Cup Series driver death in six years. Tony Stewart emerged victorious in the event, prompting NASCAR officials to implement safety changes, including restrictor plate experiments for the second New Hampshire race that season.

From 2001 to 2007, the race underwent several title changes, including the New England 300 and the Lenox Industrial Tools 300. Notably, each year saw a different driver claim victory, with Dale Jarrett, Ward Burton, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin all taking turns in the winner’s circle. Lenox Industrial Tools remained the title sponsor from 2006 to 2012.

In 2008, the event acquired its unique distinction as the only 301-mile race on the calendar. Under Lenox Industrial Tools sponsorship, an extra lap was added to emphasize the company’s commitment to individuals and suppliers who go the extra mile. This addition became known as “The Extra Mile at the Magic Mile,” and the race has remained 301 miles ever since, even with subsequent title sponsorships by Camping World in 2013 and 2014.

A significant moment unfolded in 2009 when Joey Logano, a two-time Cup Series champion, clinched victory at the young age of 19 years, one month, and four days. This achievement secured Logano’s position as the youngest winner in Cup Series history. As the anticipation builds for the upcoming race, fans and experts eagerly await the USA Today Odds, curious to see which rising star will etch their name in the history books of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Throughout the 2010s, the race underwent multiple sponsorship changes, with names such as the 5-Hour Energy 301, the New Hampshire 301, the Overton’s 301, and the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301. In 2022, Ambetter took over sponsorship before Crayon Software Experts assumed the role in 2023.

In recent years, Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing have dominated the event, claiming victory in seven of the last eight races. Notable winners include Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, and Christopher Bell.

With its rich history and ever-changing sponsorships, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway remains a sought-after venue for NASCAR races.