Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, has been named Grand Marshal for the upcoming Mobil 1 301 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). Scheduled for Sunday, September 21, Busch will deliver the iconic command, “Drivers, start your engines!” to officially start the event at Loudon’s historic track. Busch’s prominent connection to this venue enhances the excitement surrounding the return of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs to New Hampshire.
Returning Playoffs to The Magic Mile After Six Years
This season marks the first NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs event at NHMS since 2017, reigniting the Granite State’s role in championship racing. The track holds a significant place in NASCAR history, hosting the inaugural playoff race in 2004, famously known as the Chase for the Championship. Busch not only triumphed in that opening playoff contest but also claimed two other victories at NHMS during his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the most successful drivers on this challenging one-mile oval, fondly called “The Magic Mile.”
Busch’s Historic Link to New Hampshire Motor Speedway
In 2004, Busch’s victory at NHMS launched his championship-winning season, setting the tone for his entire campaign. His three total wins at the Speedway have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the venue’s rich racing legacy. This return as Grand Marshal symbolizes a meaningful full-circle moment for Busch and for the fans eager to witness playoff racing return to New England.
Event Details and Festivities for Race Day
Fans attending the Mobil 1 301 this Sunday can expect an action-packed day starting with Busch’s Grand Marshal duties. The race opens the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, promising intense competition on The Magic Mile. Beyond the race itself, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities including The Magic Mile Happy Hour Show, Trackside Live, The Groove fan hangout, a Draw the Line concert, driver appearances, and numerous live performances, all designed to enhance the race day experience.
Tickets and Fan Engagement Opportunities
Tickets for the Mobil 1 301 and camping options for the only NASCAR Playoffs weekend in New England are available through NHMS.com or by phone at 833-4LOUDON. Children aged 12 and under can attend Sunday’s event for just $10. Fans can stay updated on all NHMS events and news by following the Speedway on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), X (@NHMS), and Instagram (@NHMS), as well as through its official website and mobile app.
Significance of Busch’s Role and Playoffs Return
The appointment of Kurt Busch as Grand Marshal highlights the enduring connection between NASCAR’s history and its present playoff excitement. His achievements at New Hampshire reinforce the Speedway’s importance as a playoff venue, and the return of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs to The Magic Mile reintroduces championship-level racing to fans in New England. This event is expected to energize the region’s motorsports community and add a new chapter to the Speedway’s celebrated legacy.
We’re thrilled to have Kurt Busch join us as Grand Marshal for this landmark event,
said David McGrath, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Kurt’s accomplishments at New Hampshire, including his historic win in the inaugural playoff race, make him the perfect person to fire up the field as we usher in another chapter of playoff racing at ‘The Magic Mile.’
