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Lee USA Speedway
Race track in the U.S. state of New Hampshire From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Lee USA Speedway is a short-track oval race track located in Lee, New Hampshire.[a]
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History
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The facility opened as Lee Raceway in 1964 as a dirt tri-oval, 0.333 mi (0.536 km) in length.[2] Original owner Bob Bonser later recounted that he initially bought the land the track is located on in order to have a site along New Hampshire Route 125 to place advertising for a nudist camp that he owned and operated.[3] Bonser paved the track the following year, and it became home to the New England Super Modified Racing Association (NESMRA).[2][b]
In late 1983, the facility was purchased by Kenny Smith, Russ Conway, and Charlie Elliot, who had previously owned and operated Star Speedway in nearby Epping, New Hampshire.[4] Renamed as Lee Speedway, the track was changed to be an oval, 0.375 mi (0.604 km) in length, and reopened in the fall of 1984.[5][c] The first event held at the reconfigured track reportedly drew 236 entrants.[6] A section of the original tri-oval is still used as a pre-race staging area.[2]
The facility was sold to Red and Judy MacDonald in December 1986.[2] Their son, Eddie MacDonald, became a professional race car driver.[7] Branding of the track as Lee USA Speedway dates to at least 1996.[8] The MacDonalds operated the track until February 2018, when it was sold to Norman Wrenn Jr. of Nashua, New Hampshire.[2] Wrenn bought Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, New Hampshire, the same year.[9]
In 2023 Lee USA Speedway was sold to Hudson Speedway owner Benjamin Bosowski.
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Events
The track has hosted various racing events, including for NASCAR.[2] Notable drivers who have competed at Lee include John Andretti, Gary Bettenhausen, Brett Bodine, Todd Bodine, Dale Earnhardt, Terry Labonte, Ollie Silva, and Bentley Warren.[2] Snowmobile racing,[10] demolition derby,[11] and motorcycle races have also been held.[12]
On August 20, 1973, a driver from nearby Madbury was killed in a racing accident at the track.[13] On October 27, 1985, a driver from nearby Epping was killed in a racing accident at the track.[14]
The track is a member of the New Hampshire Short Track Racing Association (NHSTRA).[15] Entering the 2022 season, modified stock car racing is planned, including a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event.[15]
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See also
- New England Dragway, located in nearby Epping
Notes
- Lee USA Speedway should not be confused with Lee County Speedway, which is located in Donnellson, Iowa.[1]
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References
External links
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