Lee USA Speedway
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Lee, New Hampshire
Norman Wrenn Jr. (2018–2022)
Red & Judy MacDonald (1987–2018)
 | |
| Location | 380 Calef Highway Lee, New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°06′58″N 71°02′24″W / 43.116026°N 71.039973°W |
| Owner | Benjamin Bosowski (2023–present) Norman Wrenn Jr. (2018–2022) Red & Judy MacDonald (1987–2018) |
| Opened | 1964 |
| Former names | Lee Speedway (1984–1995) Lee Raceway (1964–1983) |
| Major events | Current: American Canadian Tour (2006, 2008–2018, 2021, 2023, 2026) Former: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (1993–1996, 1998, 2022–2023) NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (1992–2004, 2010) |
| Website | leeusaspeedway |
| Paved Oval (1984–present) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 0.375 mi (0.604 km) |
| Banking | Turns: 8° |
| Original Dirt Oval (1964–1983) | |
| Surface | Clay |
| Length | 0.333 mi (0.536 km) |
| Banking | Turns: 8° |
Lee USA Speedway is a short-track oval race track located in Lee, New Hampshire.[a]
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.
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]
See also
- New England Dragway, located in nearby Epping