The Legend of Loudon the Lobster: One of NASCAR’s Coolest Traditions Lives in New Hampshire

Who Is Loudon the Lobster?

If you've never watched Victory Lane at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, you're in for one of NASCAR's coolest traditions.

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According to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Instead of lifting a giant trophy, the winner of the NASCAR Cup Series race gets handed a live lobster affectionately named "Loudon the Lobster."

We're not talking about the little guy sitting in a seafood tank.

This thing usually weighs somewhere around 20 pounds and has become one of the most unique victory lane traditions in all of motorsports. The tradition started back in 2010, and every driver wants the chance to hoist Loudon high over their head after winning at "The Magic Mile."

Honestly... only New England could pull off a trophy that's also dinner.

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I've been a NASCAR fan for years, but I've never made it to New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

That finally changes this summer, and honestly... I'm just as excited about one of the traditions *outside* the racetrack as I am about the racing itself.

READ MORE: I Had No Idea You Could Do This in New Hampshire's White Mountains

So, the bottom line is... if you're coming to Loudon for NASCAR weekend, everyone says there's one thing you absolutely have to do before you leave...

Eat lobster.

Not just because you're in New England, but because it's become part of the entire experience.

I started reading about race weekend, and it turns out even the NASCAR drivers talk about it. Ryan Blaney says he always looks for clam chowder. Ross Chastain says lobster is a must. Christopher Bell? Lobster bisque. Erik Jones? An authentic lobster roll. It sounds like seafood is almost as much a part of race weekend as the smell of race fuel.

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So... Where Should You Get Lobster around New Hampshire Motor Speedway?

If you're making the trip to Loudon, you might as well do it right. Here are a few places close to the speedway that are worth checking out.

Makris Lobster & Steak House (Concord)

Probably the most well-known seafood stop near the track. It's only about 15 minutes from NHMS and has been serving lobster, fried seafood and New England classics for decades. Here's a fun fact... it has even been featured in NASCAR content surrounding the Loudon the Lobster tradition.

Weathervane Seafood Restaurant (Chichester)

Just a short drive from the speedway, this is another easy stop if you're looking for a classic New England lobster roll or fried seafood platter before heading to the track.

O Steaks & Seafood (Downtown Concord)

If you're looking for more of a sit-down dinner after the race weekend excitement, this is a great option with fresh seafood and steaks in downtown Concord.

I'm Looking Forward To It

This will be my first time experiencing New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and from everything I've heard, it's save your energy.

It's campers that have been coming for years.

It's tailgates that start before sunrise.

It's the smell of the fuel, the hearing 650-horsepower cars echo through Loudon.

It's sitting at the end of pit road on turn one.  Up high.

It's eating your weight in lobster before heading home.

I'm down for that..