New Hampshire presents a unique challenge for NASCAR playoffs

On Sunday, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway will play host to a NASCAR Cup Series playoff race for the first time since 2017. 

The 'Magic Mile' is the setting for the opening race of the Round of 12, a pivotal race in the 2025 postseason. 

The one-mile venue has always been unique, but there are more question marks surrounding this year's race at NHMS than there have been in a long time. 

When New Hampshire used to host postseason races, the track had two dates on the NASCAR calendar, ensuring playoff teams had notes from earlier in the season to refer back to. That's not the case this year. 

It will also be difficult for teams to look back at their 2024 New Hampshire notes, given that the final 86 laps were run under never-before-seen wet-weather conditions that featured rain tires. 

All of those factors make for what should be a thrilling NASCAR Cup Series playoff race on Sunday. 

Even for the drivers who aren't in the playoff field, New Hampshire is still a wild card. That's the case for Front Row Motorsports driver Zane Smith, who will go into the weekend at New Hampshire on the heels of a third-place finish in the Bristol Night Race. 

"It's a really bumpy place," Smith said in response to a question from Yardbarker on Tuesday regarding the characteristics of the track. "I feel like it's underrated with how bumpy it is, so your ability to get through the bumps and keep a well-handling car is super important." 

Smith is in an interesting position in regard to his preparation for New Hampshire. A year ago, Smith drove for Spire Motorsports, meaning he doesn't have access to his notes from his lone Cup Series start at the track. The good news? Todd Gilliland, who drove the No. 38 Ford in 2024, finished 12th, giving Smith's team some experience running at the front. 

"I just think the experience that I got there and the time I had in the dry will be important to remember and look back on," Smith said. "I know the 38 group ran well there last year, so hopefully it translates." 

Smith isn't the only driver in the field hoping a solid 2024 run at NHMS carries over to Sunday. Bristol Night Race winner and defending New Hampshire winner Christopher Bell will be competing for his fifth win of 2025 — a victory that could lift him to the Round of 8 for the third consecutive season. 

The Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will go green shortly after 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, with coverage on USA Network, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. 

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.