Great racing at NHMS last weekend?

by George 'Soup' Campbell

New Hampshire Motor Speedway has been accused of boring racing over the years. What NASCAR track doesn't produce boring racing at times? I will counter the boring racing accusations with the history of fantastic finishes this track has produced. Say what you want about the racing at NHMS, but there’s no denying there have been some fantastic finishes there over the years. Yes there were some boring moments during some stretches last weekend, but the Lenox 301 weekend produced a few exciting moments and memorable finishes as well.

I saw the first three races there live, and watched much of the Cup race live on TV. So which race did I like the most?

1. The Whelen Modified race. The 100 lap race had such a great finish, it has to be my nod for race of the weekend. To add some interest to the race, Cup stars Ryan Newman and Kasey Kahne were in the field and made for some added interest, if not just for the curiosity factor. But as usual, Ted Christopher seemed to steal the show. After early race problems appeared to take him out of the mix, he made his way back into contention and made amazing moves in the closing laps as the lead changed several times each lap, between several drivers. Ultimately there was a wreck - involving TC - as they raced out of turn four to the checkers, giving Donny Lia the win. It was an amazing race for the fans, and one that had everyone on their feet - even in the press box. Despite some sleepy laps in the middle, this was hands down, my pick for the race of the weekend.

2. My runner up pick was tougher. In full disclosure, I will admit to not watching this one in person. But the outcome was one that made me happy as one of ‘our own’ became a first time winner. There were some exciting moments in the Lenox 301 Sprint Cup race, and a surprise winner. Former Camping World East racer and Connecticut native Joey Logano won his first Cup race. Sure, it wasn’t a door to door thriller to the checkers, but as Jeff Gordon said after the race, a win is a win. Sometimes it’s just as interesting to see who can beat the gas mileage or rain. Sometimes, that’s what it takes to see a first time winner, or an old veteran sneak his way into victory lane, it can be a great equalizer. A win is a win. I was happy for Joey. Happy enough to name this race the second best of the weekend.

3. My third choice was still a good race. It had lead changes and a great finish - if not a controversial finish. The Camping World Series race was a sleeper for much of the first 100 laps. Within 10 laps there were just 27 cars on the one mile oval, and by lap 20 they were spread out over the entire track, which is how they spent most of the race. But some late cautions bunched them up and created some great battling for the lead. As the two leaders beat on each other in the final lap, the third place driver suddenly had a chance.

4. The last race on my list is the Nationwide race. It wasn’t a bad race, but it just wasn’t better than the other three. It was a typical Nationwide race, but one remarkable thing I will point out, with Kyle Busch’s win, there has yet to be a repeat winner in this series at NHMS.

I am curious to hear what some others that saw more than one race at NHMS think, what was your favorite race?