Qualifying was canceled and Sunday’s race was in jeopardy because of inclement weather at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but the USA TODAY 301 NASCAR Cup Series race got underway at 2:06 p.m. ET with NASCAR standings leader Chase Elliott on the pole.
The 301-mile race is a relatively flat, 1.058-mile oval course that combines asphalt and granite (this is the Granite State, after all) to create one of NASCAR’s most unique tracks, allowing for some tough passing maneuvers. The circuit has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series for over 20 years and produced many memorable races.
With eight races remaining on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, drivers will be battling for position as the playoffs approach. Follow live updates from the races from USA TODAY Sports reporters on the ground in New Hampshire.
more:USA TODAY 301 NASCAR race details and driver profiles
Christopher Bell takes the lead on lap 43
Can Christopher Bell do it two days in a row?
Bell, who won Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race, made a move around the inside of Chase Elliott to take the lead on lap 43 of the 2024 USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Bell, who started fourth on Sunday, had steadily worked to close the gap on Elliott over the first 10 laps – Elliott led by more than three seconds at one point – but still found himself about a second behind Bell with just over 20 laps remaining in the first stage. — Richard Morin, USA Today Sports
Chase Elliott takes the lead on the first lap
Pole seater Chase Elliott lined up in three lanes when the green flag dropped and ran commandingly on the first lap to take the lead in the 2024 USA TODAY 301 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Christopher Bell was close behind in second place, followed by Ross Chastain, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney.— Richard Morin, USA Today Sports
USA TODAY 301 What time is the NASCAR race?
The New Hampshire race started at 2pm on Sunday.
How to watch the USA TODAY 301 NASCAR race
USA Network will broadcast the race. It will also be streamed on the NBC Sports App and fuboTV. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and PRN Radio will also broadcast the race.
Starting lineup for today’s NASCAR race
- Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet
- Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford
- William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet
- Christopher Bell, No. 20 Toyota
- Alex Bowman, No. 48 Chevrolet
- Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford
- Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Toyota
- Ross Chastain, No. 1 Chevrolet
- Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Ford
- Josh Berry, No. 4 Ford
- Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Chevrolet
- Tyler Reddick, No. 45 Toyota
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet
- Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota
- Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford
- Todd Gilliland, No. 38 Ford
- Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota
- Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Toyota
- Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet
- Carson Hocevar, No. 71 Chevrolet
- Noah Gragson, No. 10 Ford
- Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet
- Chase Briscoe, No. 14 Ford
- Justin Haley, No. 51 Ford
- Michael McDowell, No. 34 Ford
- Corey LaJoie, No. 7 Chevrolet
- Harrison Burton, No. 21 Ford
- John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Toyota
- Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford
- Kyle Busch, No. 8 Chevrolet
- Ryan Preece, No. 41 Ford
- Erik Jones, No. 43 Toyota
- Daniel Hemric, No. 31 Chevrolet
- Zane Smith, No. 71 Chevrolet
- Kaz Grala, No. 15 Ford
- Ty Dillon, No. 16 Chevrolet
USA TODAY Qualifying canceled for 301st NASCAR race
Where a driver starts has a lot to do with where they finish, and the starting lineup for this race was determined by NASCAR standards after qualifying was canceled due to weather on Saturday. Some drivers benefited, notably Chase Elliott, who will start from pole position, last week’s winner Ryan Blaney will start on the front row alongside Elliott, with William Byron, Christopher Bell and Alex Bowman rounding out the top five.
Weather forecast for today’s New Hampshire NASCAR Sprint Cup race
Rain had been falling throughout the morning, but finally stopped around 11:15 a.m. EST. Race day will bring overcast, humid and hazy conditions, but it’s not yet clear. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the area until 8 p.m. EST. The service said storms will move across the region this afternoon and “may produce damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes.”
— Richard Morin, USA Today Sports
USA TODAY 301 NASCAR Race Drivers to Watch
Who is most likely to win the 2024 USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway? Here are the top drivers to watch in Sunday’s race in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Martin True Jr. will be looking to win back-to-back races after winning at New Hampshire last year, while Chase Elliott will be looking to finish on the top step of the podium from pole position.
It won’t be either of them who hoists the trophy after 301 laps; instead, it will likely be one of Brad Keselowski, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin or Christopher Bell. — All have not only won at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the past, but also in 2024.
— Richard Morin, USA Today Sports
NFL star Matthew Judon talks NASCAR and driving the pace car
Rain denied New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon the opportunity to drive the pace car before the start of Sunday’s Cup Series race, a disappointment because Judon believes he is the best driver among his Patriots teammates.
Judon’s pace car training had to be canceled due to muddy conditions, so the four-time Pro Bowl selection will be hopping in the passenger seat of the official Toyota Camry XSE pace car before the green lights come on at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
“I wouldn’t ask my teammate anything about driving,” Judon said before the race. “I think I’m the best driver on the team. I came into the race fresh and with no knowledge, but I’m really happy. It’s just a new experience.”
Could Judon’s driving skills lead to a future career as a professional racer?
“Of course not,” Judon said. “I don’t even know how to drive a manual car.”
— Richard Morin, USA Today Sports
