Imagine a roaring crowd, the scent of racing fuel in the air, and millions of dollars swirling around high-stakes competition—that's the thrill of NASCAR racing. But here's where it gets truly heartwarming: during New England's one and only NASCAR Playoffs weekend at the legendary New Hampshire Motor Speedway, also known as 'The Magic Mile,' passionate fans and dedicated volunteers came together to raise nearly $208,000 for local nonprofits. It's a story of community spirit meeting adrenaline-pumping excitement, and trust me, the details will make you appreciate just how much one weekend can change lives for the better.
At the center of this charitable powerhouse is the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCCNH), the official charity partner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). With the unwavering support of countless volunteers, SCCNH orchestrated a series of eight engaging events throughout the race week from September 19 to 21, transforming the speedway into a hub of generosity. Picture this: an online auction where fans bid on unique NASCAR memorabilia, a 'Laps for Charity' initiative where laps completed by drivers translate into donations, and even a 'Sign the Track Wall Banner' where supporters add their names to a massive banner. There was also the Track Treasures Shop stocked with exclusive race-themed goodies, a 50/50 Raffle that splits ticket sales with the winner, a fun Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Texas Roadhouse, the popular Track Walk presented by LeMay Family Goodworks—where, as seen in the photo, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain of the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet posed with over 400 enthusiastic race fans—and a lively Wicked Good Live Auction. And this year, they introduced a brand-new idea: custom brick sales to build a permanent walkway on NHMS grounds, giving fans a lasting way to leave their mark.
These initiatives weren't just entertaining; they were incredibly effective, generating more than $150,000 specifically for SCCNH's efforts, which directly supports children's charities and groups across the region. A whopping $50,000 of that came from the 50/50 Raffle alone—a testament to how excited fans get about these events. To put this in perspective for beginners, a 50/50 raffle is like a lottery where half the money raised goes to the winner, and the other half to charity, creating a win-win that boosts participation. 'The support from race fans was absolutely incredible this year,' shared Danielle Cyr, the Director of the Speedway Children’s Charities New Hampshire Chapter and also NHMS's Director of Marketing. 'It’s been a goal since we started the 50/50 Raffle in 2021 to get the pot up to $100,000, and the fans come through in full force this year to make that happen. We can’t wait to distribute this money in December to nonprofits throughout the region to help further the work they do.'
Every December, SCCNH hands out grants to local nonprofit organizations, and in 2024, they awarded 36 grants totaling $120,000. Since kicking off in 2009, the chapter has poured over $2.1 million into helping nearly 1.5 million children in New England, covering everything from medical support to educational programs. It's inspiring to see how one charity arm of a racetrack has grown into a lifeline for so many young lives.
And this is the part most people miss: Fans can now secure their spot in NHMS history by buying a personalized engraved brick through the fundraisingbrick.com website. For $200, you get a 4-inch-by-8-inch brick, or $350 for an 8-inch-by-8-inch one, with all proceeds going straight to supporting kids in need. You can customize it with names, family messages, or even heartfelt dedications—think of it as leaving a footprint on the track of kindness. Once enough bricks are sold, they'll form a beautiful walkway on the speedway property, set to debut during the 2026 NASCAR weekend. It's a simple yet profound way to blend your love for racing with making a difference.
But wait, here's where it gets controversial: While this fundraising model ties charity directly to entertainment, some might argue that sports events like NASCAR should prioritize fan excitement over philanthropy, or even question if this blurs the line between genuine giving and marketing hype. After all, is it fair to expect fans to pay extra for charity when tickets are already pricey? Others might counter that it's a smart way to amplify good causes, turning a weekend of thrills into a force for community impact. What do you think—does integrating charity into sports events enhance the experience, or does it dilute the purity of volunteerism? We'd love to hear your take in the comments!
Beyond SCCNH's standout efforts, a network of motivated volunteer groups from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts stepped up to support NHMS during the weekend. These dedicated teams tackled everything from scrubbing grandstands to maintaining landscaping, managing parking, and staffing concession stands, ensuring the track looks pristine from the first green flag to the last checkered one. In exchange for their hard work, NHMS contributes funds to their chosen nonprofits, which include schools, civic organizations, church groups, and even the New Hampshire Food Bank. This year, 26 such groups collectively raised $57,062, proving that behind every smooth race day is a team of unsung heroes.
If you're inspired to join the action, the next opportunity is the August 21-23, 2026, NASCAR weekend at NHMS. To volunteer and help fundraise for your favorite nonprofit, reach out to Event Staffing Coordinator Deb O’Neil at her email (which is protected, but you'll find it on the NHMS website). For those interested in SCCNH, including sponsorships or volunteering, contact Danielle Cyr directly via her email. Stay connected by checking the charity's website, and follow them on Facebook (@SCC.NH), X (@SCCNHMS), and Instagram (@SCCNHMS). Want to make a direct donation? Head to SpeedwayCharities.org/Donate/#NewHampshire. Let's keep the momentum going—your involvement could be the next big lap in this race for good.
