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New Hampshire Motor Speedway Returns to NASCAR Playoff Schedule in 2027

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New Hampshire Motor Speedway is poised for a significant comeback, with its celebrated September race weekend officially reinstated into the 2027 NASCAR schedule. This strategic shift will see both the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returning to the iconic "Magic Mile," much to the delight of racing enthusiasts.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway's Grand Return to the Playoff Circuit in 2027

Loudon, New Hampshire – In a thrilling announcement that has race fans buzzing, New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) confirmed its re-entry into the NASCAR Chase/playoff schedule for the 2027 season. The eagerly anticipated event, scheduled for September 25-26, will once again host both the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series and the high-octane NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

David McGrath, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, expressed immense enthusiasm about this development, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to bring back September racing and the Chase to next year’s calendar.” He highlighted the overwhelming support from New England race fans, who turned out in sold-out numbers for last September’s event. McGrath emphasized that autumn racing in New England is a major draw for fans, particularly those who enjoy camping, and noted that drivers also have a strong affinity for competing in the region during the fall season.

NHMS initially joined the Cup Series calendar in 1993, a fixture that endured for two decades, frequently hosting two Cup races annually. From 2004 to 2017, the "Magic Mile" consistently featured a Chase/playoff race, solidifying its place as a critical venue in NASCAR’s championship hunt. However, in recent years, the track's placement on the schedule became more erratic, shifting to summer dates in July, August, and even June. It experienced a brief return to the championship playoffs last year before being relegated back to a summer slot for the upcoming 2026 season.

Nevertheless, the 2027 season signals a triumphant return to form for New Hampshire. The September race weekend will not only reclaim its traditional spot but will also serve as the third race in the ten-event Cup Series playoffs, a pivotal position in the battle for the championship. Furthermore, it will mark the opening race for the Truck Series' own playoff contention, adding another layer of excitement for fans and competitors alike.

The full 2027 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is expected to be unveiled in the near future. This announcement from NHMS follows similar revelations from other tracks, such as Iowa Speedway, which recently secured the Fourth of July race weekend for 2027. These early announcements build anticipation for what promises to be a dynamic and eagerly awaited racing season.

The return of New Hampshire Motor Speedway to the NASCAR playoff schedule in its traditional September slot is more than just a calendar change; it's a revitalization of a beloved tradition. It underscores the importance of fan engagement and regional impact in shaping the sport's future. For both competitors and spectators, this move promises enhanced excitement and strategic significance within the championship chase, reinforcing the enduring appeal of NASCAR racing in New England.

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Comprehensive Guide to NASCAR at Iowa: Schedule, Broadcast, and Participants

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This guide offers an exhaustive look into the upcoming NASCAR weekend at Iowa Speedway, detailing all essential information for fans.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Iowa Speedway NASCAR Weekend

Anticipation Builds for the Iowa Speedway Races

After a brief hiatus, NASCAR revs back into action at Iowa Speedway, marking the twenty-third event in the 2026 regular season. Enthusiasts can look forward to a full weekend of competition, encompassing races from both the Cup and O'Reilly Series, in addition to the ARCA series.

Key Players and Championship Dynamics

William Byron, the reigning champion of the Iowa Cup race, seeks his first victory of the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin holds a commanding lead in the championship standings, with an 84-point advantage over Tyler Reddick. Austin Cindric is currently in a crucial position for the Chase qualification, sitting 38 points ahead of Ryan Preece.

Broadcast Coverage Shifts to NBC/USA Sports

The broadcast responsibilities for the remainder of the 2026 Cup season have transitioned from TNT to NBC/USA Sports, which will cover the final fourteen races. This ensures comprehensive coverage for fans eager to follow every moment of the season's climax.

Complete Weekend Schedule Overview

The racing festivities kick off on Friday, August 7, with practice and qualifying sessions for the ARCA Menards Series, culminating in a 100-lap race at 7:00 PM EST, broadcast on FOX SPORTS 1. Saturday, August 8, features practice and qualifying for the NASCAR O'Reilly and Cup Series, with the O'Reilly Series race (250 laps) scheduled for 5:00 PM EST on THE CW / ESPN UNLIMITED. The main event, the NASCAR Cup Series race (350 laps), will take place on Sunday, August 9, with a pre-race show at 3:00 PM EST and the green flag dropping at 3:40 PM EST, both airing on USA NETWORK.

Detailed Broadcast Information for the Cup Series Race

The Iowa Cup Series race on Sunday, August 9, promises thrilling action. Coverage begins at 3:00 PM EST on USA NETWORK, with the race officially starting at 3:40 PM EST. The event will span 350 laps, divided into stages of 70, 140, and 140 laps, requiring competitors to manage ten sets of tires. Fans can also tune into TSN in Canada or explore other international viewing options via NASCAR's official website. Live streaming will be available through USA NETWORK, and radio coverage will be provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

The Lineup for the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol

A full roster of 36 entries, with no open teams, is confirmed for the Iowa Corn 350. This rare occurrence highlights the competitive nature of this year's event. Noteworthy participants include Ross Chastain (Trackhouse Racing), Austin Cindric (Team Penske), Austin Dillon (Richard Childress Racing), Noah Gragson (Front Row Motorsports), Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports), Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing), Daniel Suarez (Spire Motorsports), Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports), Ty Dillon (Kaulig Racing), Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing), Ryan Blaney (Team Penske), AJ Allmendinger (Kaulig Racing), Chris Buescher (RFK Racing), Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing), Christopher Bell (Joe Gibbs Racing), Josh Berry (Wood Brothers Racing), Joey Logano (Team Penske), Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing), William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports), Austin Hill (Richard Childress Racing), Todd Gilliland (Front Row Motorsports), Riley Herbst (23XI Racing), Zane Smith (Front Row Motorsports), Cole Custer (Haas Factory Team), John Hunter Nemechek (Legacy Motor Club), Erik Jones (Legacy Motor Club), Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing), Ricky Stenhouse Jr (Hyak Motorsports), Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports), Cody Ware (Rick Ware Racing), Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing), Ryan Preece (RFK Racing), Michael McDowell (Spire Motorsports), Connor Zilisch (Trackhouse Racing), and Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing).

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A Look Back at NASCAR's Most Unforgettable Iowa Finish

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This article revisits a truly memorable and peculiar moment in NASCAR's history, focusing on a specific race at Iowa Speedway that concluded in an extraordinary fashion. It delves into the dynamics between two dominant teammates and the unforeseen events that led to a finish unlike any other in the sport.

Reliving the Unbelievable: NASCAR's Iowa Showdown

The Domination of Roush Racing at Iowa Speedway

Fifteen years ago, on August 6, 2011, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series held the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, a race that would become legendary for its bizarre conclusion. Throughout the event, the Roush Fenway Racing team asserted its dominance, with Carl Edwards and his teammate Ricky Stenhouse Jr. collectively pacing the field for 134 out of 250 laps, showcasing their formidable speed and strategic prowess.

Teammate Tensions and a Late-Race Incident

As the race progressed, a palpable tension grew between the two Roush teammates. They found themselves in a fierce side-by-side duel, making contact as they battled for third place in the closing stages. A subsequent caution period provided a temporary respite, allowing both drivers to reset their focus before the final sprint to the checkered flag.

The Dramatic Three-Wide Restart

Upon the restart, the rivalry intensified. Edwards and Stenhouse Jr. resumed their close-quarters battle, now directly behind race leader Elliott Sadler. With only 22 laps remaining, Sadler's car drifted wide, creating an opening. Stenhouse capitalized, pulling alongside, while Edwards, seizing the moment, dove to the inside, making it a thrilling three-wide contest for the lead.

Avoiding a Collision and the Team's Hope for Victory

During the intense three-wide maneuver, contact occurred once more between the Roush cars. However, Edwards skillfully backed off, preventing a major incident. Team owner Jack Roush's primary concern was to see both his cars finish strong, ideally in the top two positions, avoiding any unnecessary damage that could jeopardize their impressive performance.

A Hollywood-esque Finale: Engine Failure and a Pushed Victory

In a truly cinematic turn of events, Stenhouse Jr. had established a significant lead as the final lap began, holding nearly a one-second advantage. Yet, as he exited the final corner with the checkered flag within sight, his No. 6 Ford's engine catastrophically failed. Oil spewed across the track, accompanied by a thick plume of smoke.

The Unconventional Finish Line Crossing

Blinded by the smoke and struggling for grip on the oil-slicked track, Edwards rapidly approached the disabled car of Stenhouse. In an incredible twist, Edwards' car slammed into the rear of Stenhouse's vehicle, inadvertently providing the necessary momentum for Stenhouse to be propelled across the finish line, securing a most unexpected victory.

Post-Race Celebrations and Driver Reactions

Both Roush cars, severely damaged, spun across the finish line amidst the roaring crowd. Stenhouse Jr., emerging from his wrecked car, celebrated his improbable win atop its roof before being transported to Victory Lane. Edwards, reflecting on the bizarre conclusion, expressed his surprise, stating, "I don't think anyone has ever finished 1-2 with two torn up race cars like that." Stenhouse, on the other hand, emphasized his aggressive driving, remarking, "You gotta do what you gotta do to win. I wasn't going to let another one slip by us." The official margin of victory was a mere 0.066 seconds, a number that barely scratches the surface of this unforgettable NASCAR moment.

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