The Crayon 301 NASCAR Cup Series race is just around the corner, and the drivers are gearing up for an action-packed weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Christopher Bell, Brad Keselowski, and Chase Elliott recently took part in a Goodyear Tire test at the track, getting valuable laps and insights that will be beneficial when they return in July.
For Bell, who drives the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, the test was crucial in securing his spot in the playoffs. While last year saw many winners, this year is proving to be more challenging, so every race matters. He believes that the test will help him and his team be successful when they return for the race.
Keselowski, who drives the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing, is no stranger to New Hampshire. He has won races here before and was excited to have the opportunity to test at the track. The team made a lot of progress during the test, and Keselowski is confident that they will be ready for the big race in a few months.
Elliott, who drives the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, admits that New Hampshire hasn’t historically been his best track. However, he believes that testing at a track where he hasn’t done well in the past can be beneficial. Last year, he was fortunate to finish second to Bell, and he is hoping to improve upon that this year.
The NASCAR weekend in New Hampshire kicks off on Friday, July 14, with practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Whelen Modified Tour, as well as Friday Night Dirt Duels at The Flat Track. The action continues on Doubleheader Saturday with NCS qualifying, the Ambetter Health 200 NXS race, and the Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race. The weekend culminates with the NCS taking on “The Magic Mile” Sunday for the Crayon 301.
In addition to the on-track action, there will be plenty of exciting off-track activities, including Race Day Live with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts, The Groove fan hangout, concerts from Dirty Deeds and Shot of Poison, family movie night featuring “Top Gun: Maverick,” driver appearances, live performances, fireworks, and much more.