N.H. Motor Speedway Concert Facing Lawsuit

Officials for New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon want to host a three-day country music festival next year, but the neighbors aren’t going for it just yet.

– New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The neighbors filed a lawsuit Dec. 11 in Merrimack County Superior Court based on a 1989 agreement that prevents speedway officials from hosting concerts that aren’t affiliated with a racing event.

The agreement was created when then-owner Bob Bahre bought the speedway with the intent to expand it into a multipurpose track. After the agreement that included provisions for noise and traffic was put in place, the neighbors at the time agreed to drop their opposition to the expansion, according to the Concord Monitor.

 Loudon city officials had approved the one-time event after reviewing noise levels and details of the plan. State officials also approved the proposal after hearing a NASCAR event normally held at the speedway is moving to Las Vegas.

 Jim Snyder, who lives near the speedway, told the paper in a statement that track officials need to honor the agreement.

 “For 28 years, we have lived with the noise, nuisance and continued expansion of the facility,” he said. “We have upheld our end of the bargain. All we are asking is for the Speedway and the town of Loudon to uphold their legal commitments.”

 New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive V.P. and GM David McGrath told the Monitor via email that officials are reviewing the filing and have no comment

New Hampshire Motor Speedway previously hosted concerts by Bret Michaels in 2015 and Jackyl last year.