The Sprint Cup Series is back in New England for this weekend's Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH. The Northeast, like most regions of the country, has had a long-standing, deep interest in auto racing. Many of the most famous short tracks in the country are scattered throughout New England, with NHMS serving as "The Daytona of the North."
The flat, 1.058-mile oval doesn't lend itself to the best racing in the world and is frequently chastised by a majority of fans as boring, but the die-hard fans up North have helped Loudon remain one of the sport's most popular venues in racing, in terms of fanbase.
There are 48 teams on this weekend's entry list. Unlike previous years, none of the New England racing stars are taking an attempt at making the field for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, but with 13 go-or-go-home drivers trying to qualify for one of only eight spots, there is sure to be plenty of excitement. The entire entry list can be found at Jayski.com
Loudon marks the final race in TNT's six-race "Summer Series," as ESPN and ABC will take the reigns for the final 17 races on the schedule. Reactions to TNT's latest effort have been mixed; raitings have been up but extensive commercials and unpopular production decisions have left a bit to be desired over the last five races. Nevertheless, TNT will have coverage of Sunday's race, while SPEED will carry the other on-track action.
All times Eastern:
Practice:
Friday, 11:30 a.m. - SPEED
Qualifying:
Friday, 3 p.m. - SPEED
Practice:
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - SPEED
Saturday, 11:45 a.m. - SPEED
Lenox Industrial Tools 301:
Sunday, 1 p.m. - TNT (Pre-Race at 12 noon - TNT)