Loudon, New Hampshire – June 23, 2024 – Anthony Holbrook
The NASCAR Cup Series set sails June 23, 2024, at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the USA TODAY 301. The 1.058-mile track is the flattest oval NASCAR Cup Series present schedule. The paper-clip shape provides two straightaways of 1,500 feet each, making the track 46.3% turns. The turn radius is the same in all four corners: 450 feet. The turns are progressively banked from four degrees near the apron to seven degrees by the outside wall. With few sands left within the hourglass, race teams challenge 301 scheduled laps on the “Magic Mile” in quest for playoff security.
Incumbent weather entered the vicinity of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway forcing NASCAR to cancel Qualifying. The starting lineup has been set accordingly by the rulebook regulations. Kyle Larson was awarded Pole Position for stated race.
USA TODAY 301 – Recap:
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Stage 1
Cup Champ Chase Elliott takes control of the opening stage as challengers approach. Christopher Bell patiently plans and overtakes NASCAR’s favorite driver with less than 30 laps of Stage 1 completion. Christopher Bell Stage 1 win adds additional weight to his Playoff resume.
USA TODAY 301 – Results
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Stage 1
- Christopher Bell
- Joey
- Chase Elliott
- Ryan Blaney
- Josh Berry
- Martin Truex Jr
- Denny Hamlin
- Ross Chastain
- Tyler Reddick
- Alex Bowman
USA TODAY 301 – Recap:
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Stage 2
Christopher Bell leads the field from the Stage 2 restart into the scheduled green flag pit break, 55 laps in the Stage run. Bell will reload and work back to the front as Martin Truex Jr. draws near Bell and the front runners. Truex Jr. reels in Bell setting sight on race leader Todd Gilliand whom declined previous pit attention for track position.
Race leader Todd Gilliand utilizes much needed service after a Daniel Hemric’ yellow flag slows down the field on Lap 142. Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin opt to stay out moving up the leader board. Hamlin locks in the preferred outer lane generating momentum to lead the pack. Denny Hamlin guards approaching danger to capture Stage 2 honors.
USA TODAY 301 – Results:
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Stage 2
- Martin Truex Jr
- Kyle Larson
- Joey
- Ryan Blaney
- Denny Hamlin
- Kevin Harvick
- Alex Bowman
- Brad Keselowski
- Tyler Reddick
- Christopher Bell
USA TODAY 301 – Recap:
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Final Stage
Final Stage break will mix up pit strategies as most teams opt for 2 tire change while Stage 2 winner Denny Hamlin chose to reload a set of Goodyears for tracking and durability.
Hoping for an early-Stage caution, Michael McDowell and Tyler Redick gamble and stay out and test their luck.
Joey Logano’s spiring season continues downward plunge while collecting Chase Elliott and hampering any prosper finish for both. After the smoke has cleared Tyler Reddick resumes leader with Kyle Larson hastily approaching.
Meanwhile, in the horizon, Denny Hamlin and predicted incumbent storms advance. Hamlin will claim 2nd position while the Storms delayed the race until track conditions were persistent for equivalent tires.
After the storms ceased, Rain Tires were introduced to race teams to assist operating track conditions with only 85 laps to decide the victor.
Christopher Bell will recapture the post on a late restart as caution flags, compliments of Ross Chastain. Time running out, 2023 Cup Champ Ryan Blaney enters the picture climbing to 2nd behind Tyler Reddick.
Adjusting to different tire tread on wet pavement, mobility traction became an issue and alluded to Noah Gragson’s collision. A chain reaction from the collision will involve Austin Cindric, Bubba Wallace, Zane Smith and Austin Dillion requiring immediate pit attention.
A final Brad Keselowski’ caution flag with 3 Laps remaining, sends the event into an overtime shootout for all the marbles.
Christopher Bell pulls away in the closing laps as Josh Bell and Chase Briscoe battle for 2nd position allowing Bell to separate from the rivals. Christopher rings the Victory Bell in New Hampshire.
USA TODAY 301 – Final Results:
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Louden, New Hampshire
Lap length: 1.058 miles
- Christopher Bell
- Chase Briscoe
- Josh Berry
- Kyle Larson
- Chris Buescher
- Tyler Reddick
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr
- John Hunter Nemechek
- Martin Truex Jr
- Ross Chastain
- Ryan Preece
- Todd Gilliland
- Erik Jones
- Harrison Burton
- Michael McDowell
- Ty Gibbs
- Carson Hocevar
- Chase Elliott
- Austin Cindric
- Ty Dillon
- Daniel Suarez
- Kaz Grala
- Corey LaJoie
- Denny Hamlin
- Ryan Blaney
- William Byron
- Noah Gragson
- Brad Keselowski
- Justin Haley
- Zane Smith
- Daniel Hemric
- Joey Logano
- Austin Dillon
- Bubba Wallace
- Kyle Busch
- Alex Bowman
NASCAR Cup Series Points Playoff
After (USA TODAY 301 – Results: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Pos | Driver | Points | Wins
- Kyle Larson | 3 Wins | 23PP
- Christopher Bell | 3 Wins | 22PP
- Denny Hamlin | 3 Wins | 19PP
- William Byron | 3 Wins | 16PP
- Tyler Reddick | 1 Win | 8PP
- Ryan Blaney | 1 Win | 7PP
- Austin Cindric | 1 Win | 7PP
- Chase Elliott | 1 Win | 6PP
- Brad Keselowski | 1 Win | 5PP
- Daniel Suarez | 1 Win | 5PP
- Martin Truex Jr | +155
- Ross Chastain | +93
- Ty Gibbs | +82
- Alex Bowman | +59
- Chris Buescher | +50
- Joey Logano | +13
— Playoff Cutline —
- Bubba Wallace | -13
- Chase Briscoe | -25
- Kyle Busch | -45
- Josh Berry | -73
The NASCAR Cup Series travels to the Volunteer State for the Ally 400 hosted by the Nashville Superspeedway
Sunday June 30th
3:30 p.m. ET
NBC, MRN, SirisXM-NASCAR 90)
