The 2024 NASCAR season’s next official race is ready to tear up the asphalt: all of our favorite Cup Series drivers will put the pedal to the metal on Sunday, June 23 at 2:30 p.m. ET for the USA Today 301 NASCAR New Hampshire race. Here’s our guide to catching every heart-pounding moment of action.
Can’t make it out to the race? That’s OK, we’ve got you covered with live coverage from the comfort of your couch on DIRECTV.
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USA TODAY 301 RACE INFORMATION
Date & Time: Sunday, June 23, 2:30 p.m. ET
Race Track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Location: Loudon, New Hampshire
Laps/Distance: 301 laps, 318.46 miles
How to Watch: USA Network (Channel 242)
HOW TO WATCH THE USA TODAY 301
Your favorite NASCAR Cup Series drivers, including William Byron, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell and more are making their way up north this week for the annual competition at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Fans who can’t make it to the racetrack can watch the race live on USA Network (Channel 242 on DIRECTV).
The race starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 23, and you won’t want to miss a moment of the racing action. Especially as we pass the halfway point in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, making it all the more important for these drivers to secure a victory and clinch a playoff spot.
For a reminder on how the Cup Series Playoffs work, check this post out.
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY SPECS
Nicknamed “The Magic Mile,” the 1.058-mile oval track in Loudon, New Hampshire features variable banking in the turns. After multiple on-track fatalities in 2000, the track implemented a variety of safety features, including turning the corners into progressive banking systems and adding SAFER barriers to the corner walls.
Today, the unique layout of the track makes for exciting and close racing, as drivers navigate the tight corners and battle for position on the straightaways.
This endurance test challenges drivers to maintain focus and precision for over three hours of intense competition. The race demands both speed and strategy, as drivers maneuver through traffic, make strategic pit stops and handle any unexpected obstacles that may arise.
NOTABLE DRIVERS TO WATCH
The NASCAR Cup Series is home to some of the most skilled and talented drivers in the world. As the USA Today 301 approaches, fans are eager to see who will rise to the occasion and take home the victory. Here are a few drivers to keep an eye on:
- William Byron – Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Byron has shown immense promise this season. With several top-five finishes under his belt, he is a contender to secure a victory at New Hampshire.
- Kyle Larson – Larson has been on fire this season, capturing multiple wins and consistently running up front. His aggressive driving style and ability to adapt to different tracks make him a strong contender for the win.
- Denny Hamlin – Hamlin has been a consistent presence at the front of the pack throughout the season. Known for his strategic approach and strong finishes, he is a driver to watch at New Hampshire.
- Christopher Bell – Bell has been turning heads in his sophomore season in the NASCAR Cup Series. With impressive performances and a hunger for success, he could be a dark horse contender at New Hampshire.
USA TODAY 301 RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Here’s a look at this weekend’s schedule for the only NASCAR-sanctioned race in the Northeast!
FRIDAY, JUNE 21
- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Practice: 2:30 p.m. ET
- NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice: 4:05 p.m. ET on USA Network (Ch. 242)
- NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying: 4:35 p.m. ET on USA Network
- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Qualifying: 5:45 p.m. ET on USA Network
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
- NASCAR Cup Series Practice: 12:35 p.m. ET on USA Network
- NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying: 1:20 p.m. ET on USA Network
- NASCAR Xfinity Series SciAps 200: 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network
- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Mohegan Sun 100: 6:30 p.m. ET
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
- NASCAR Cup Series USA Today 301: 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network
WHO WON THE 2023 USA TODAY 301?
The 2023 Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway took place in the middle of July and was won by Martin Truex Jr. This season, the annual New Hampshire race takes place June 23 and is being referred to as the USA Today 301 for sponsorship reasons.
Last year’s race was called the Crayon 301.
Winners at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
NASCAR has been competing in New Hampshire annually since 1993. Here are the past winners at New Hampshire Motor Speedway since 2010, when the race officially became 301 laps around the 1.058-mile oval speedway:
| Year | Winner | Team |
| 2010 | Jimmie Johson | Hendricks Motorsports |
| 2011 | Ryan Newman | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 2012 | Kasey Kahne | Hendricks Motorsports |
| 2013 | Brian Vickers | Michael Waltrip Racing |
| 2014* | Brad Keselowski | Team Penske |
| 2015 | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 2016 | Matt Kenseth | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 2017 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 2018 | Kevin Harvick | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 2019 | Kevin Harvick | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 2020 | Brad Keselowski | Team Penske |
| 2021* | Aric Almirola | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 2022 | Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 2023 | Martin Truex Jr. | Joe Gibbs Racing |
*Years starred denote a race that was shortened or extended due to weather or other issues.
Watch the USA TODAY 301 Live on DIRECTV
So, mark your calendars and get ready for an adrenaline-filled afternoon as the NASCAR Cup Series takes on the challenging New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Whether in person or from the comfort of your couch, the USA Today 301 is sure to provide an unforgettable racing experience. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
With your DIRECTV subscription, you won’t miss a single heart-pounded lap of the NASCAR New Hampshire race, or any other NASCAR race this season across FOX, FS1, NBC or the USA Network.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Crayon 301 NASCAR race?
The Crayon 301 will take place Sunday July 16, at 2:30 PM ET.
Where is the Crayon 301 Cup Series race?
The 20th race of the season will take place at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Where can you watch the Crayon 301 NASCAR race?
With DIRECTV, you can see every NASCAR race of the season. The Crayon 301 will air on USA, channel 242 on DIRECTV.
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