NASCAR has moved the start of the Sunday Dollar Tree 301 Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway forward to 2 p.m. Eastern Time, trimming an hour off the originally planned 3 p.m. ET slot.
Weather forces early start
The change is a direct response to forecasts of inclement weather that could jeopardize safety and visibility for drivers and spectators alike.
NASCAR, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and USA Network worked together to shift the schedule, ensuring that broadcast partners and race operations could adapt without compromising the event’s integrity.
Fans will see a cascade of earlier opening times: parking lots will welcome cars at 7 a.m., ticket booths will open at 8:30 a.m., the gates will swing open at 10 a.m., and the Cup Series garage will be accessible from 11 a.m.
Live coverage will be available on USA, the Performance Racing Network, and SiriusXM Radio on channel 90, giving viewers multiple ways to experience the race in real time.
The early start not only alters the day’s logistics but also underscores NASCAR’s commitment to safety, adjusting race timing to protect competitors and attendees alike.