Travel Log: Loudon

The Race to the Chase begins this week as NASCAR converges on New England once again.

Travelers were just in the area a month ago when Dover popped up on the schedule. Now it's New Hampshire, where crisp weather relieves the hot summer days (and nights) that have sweltered the South. There's scenic drives, lakes and outdoor adventure. But the state may be best known for its lion-like revolutionary role and a little lamb.

• Cup Series tickets
• Nationwide Series tickets

DID YOU KNOW?
• Although New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, it was the first government to break away from Great Britain in January 1776, six months before thirteen colonies formed the United States of America.

• New Hampshire was the first state to adopt a state constitution, doing so in 1784 and making it the second-oldest constitution in the country.

• The state is known for a trio of firsts, all happening in different centuries: The first alarm clock was invented by Levi Hutchins in 1787; the first free public library was formed in 1833; and the nation's first legal lottery was adopted in 1963.

• "Live Free or Die" is the state motto stemming from Gen. John Stark. The state's American Revolution hero was invited to an anniversary reunion of the Battle of Bennington, and asked to give the toast. Stark declined attending, and instead sent his toast via letter saying, "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils." The Battle of Bennington was actually fought in New York, although the American militia was full of soldiers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including Stark.

• Newport is the home of writer and editor Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, best known as the author of the nursery rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb. The popular rhyme is believed to have been based on a true story and was first published in her composition Poems for Our Children in 1830. Hale was a women's rights and education advocate and is said to have been one of the major influences in making Thanksgiving a national holiday.

IN THE KNOW ...
Best Burger: The Barley House
Best Seafood: Newick's Lobster House
Best Restaurant: The Common Man

Admitted as a State: June 21, 1788, as the ninth state
Capital: Concord
Nickname: Granite State
Population Rank: 41st
Largest City: Manchester

AT THE TRACK
Route 106 is the gateway to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, running directly in front of the race track. It's just west of I-93 and sits just north of Loudon. All that is a short drive from Concord, the state's capital. NHMS provides a fan guide where ticket holders can get the ins, outs and rules of getting around the race track in scenic New Hampshire
• New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Weekend Schedules: Cup Series | Nationwide Series | Truck Series