Ricky Stenhouse Jr. touched down in Portland, Maine, as the countdown to the Dollar Tree 301 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway gathered momentum. The NASCAR driver swapped his cockpit for a series of local experiences, eager to soak up the coastal charm before the green flag dropped.
A Taste of New England
His first stop was Luke's Lobster on the Portland Pier, where he learned the art of assembling a classic New England lobster roll. After watching the day's catch roll in from fishing boats, Stenhouse joined a small group of reporters for a lunch that highlighted the region's signature seafood.
Later, he climbed aboard a Lucky Catch Cruise to get an up‑close look at the lobstering process. The excursion gave him hands‑on insight into hauling traps, measuring catches and securing claws, turning a commercial fishery into a living classroom.
The next morning, Stenhouse entered The Holy Donut, a bakery that turns Maine potatoes into sweet treats. Under the guidance of the staff, he mixed batter, shaped dough and sampled blueberry donuts made from locally harvested berries, a flavor he described as unmistakably regional.
He capped the visit with a stroll through Fort Williams Park, pausing at the iconic Portland Head Light. The historic lighthouse offered a panoramic view of the harbor, and the surrounding grounds provided a quiet backdrop for reflection on the upcoming race weekend.
Stenhouse said the blend of culinary discovery and scenic exploration left him upbeat about the upcoming event. He will return to New England on August 23 for the Dollar Tree 301, a weekend that blends on‑track competition with off‑track entertainment for fans and participants alike.