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NASCAR returns to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the USA Today 301 Cup Series race. Following an exciting inaugural race at Iowa Speedway, the series heads to Loudon, New Hampshire this weekend.
The 1.058-mile oval in Loudon will host the Whelen, Xfinity and Cup Series over the weekend. The SciAps 200 Xfinity race is scheduled this Saturday, June 22 at 3:30 PM ET. The USA Today 301 Cup race is scheduled this Sunday, June 23 at 2:30 PM ET.
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The 1.058-mile oval features a unique surface made of asphalt and granite, with turns featuring varying banking from 2 to 7 degrees. The front stretch has a 1-degree banking.
In recent years, Toyota drivers have dominated the "The Magic Mile", with Joe Gibbs Racing drivers winning the previous two editions in the next-gen era. Chevrolet drivers have struggled at the track, with Hendrick Motorsports' last win dating back to Kasey Kahne's victory in 2012.
Let us take a look at five NASCAR Cup drivers who could steal the show at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend.
5 NASCAR drivers to watch out for in the USA Today 301
#5 Ryan Blaney
The Reigning NASCAR champion clinched his first victory of the season at Iowa Speedway, highlighting Team Penske's resurgence on short-track ovals.
Although Ryan Blaney doesn't have a top-10 finish at New Hampshire in the next-gen era, he will be in the mix with the front runners this weekend, aiming to secure consecutive victories.
#4 Denny Hamlin
The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driver is coming off another challenging weekend at Iowa Speedway, a rare off day from the team. Denny Hamlin and the team are looking for a reset this weekend in New Hampshire.
With three victories at short tracks this season, Hamlin is one of the favorites at New Hampshire. Boasting three victories at the one-mile oval, he has scored an impressive 10 top-three finishes at the track.
#3 Brad Keselowski
The former NASCAR champion has the best average finishing position in the last three races, with two top-five finishes and a seventh-place result.
Brad Keselowski's stats at Loudon include two victories, with the most recent in 2020. Keselowski and his team will be on the hunt for a race win this weekend alongside the front runners.
#2 Christopher Bell
The #20 Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been impressive on short track ovals, particularly the flatter ones, with the team often bringing race-winning speed on most occasions.
Christopher Bell has only four starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway but has already recorded a victory and a runner-up finish. Bell could clinch his third victory of the season this weekend.
#1 Martin Truex Jr.
The #19 Joe Gibbs Racing driver's last Cup Series victory came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway last season. The defending winner at the oval has three top-five finishes his last four starts.
Adding to his impressive record at New Hampshire, Martin Truex Jr. has led the most laps at the track among active drivers. The former NASCAR champion is the favorite to take home the Loudon Lobster this weekend
