In New Hampshire, victory lane trophies come with claws. Since 2010, winners at the “Magic Mile” in Loudon, NH, have received a live giant lobster, nicknamed “Loudon,” as their trophy. This 18-28 pound lobster with dinner-plate-sized claws and a body nearly a yard long is a nod to New England’s heritage. But how did NHMS swap a Segway for a seafood platter, and what becomes of Loudon after the checkered flag? Let’s dive in.

A lobster in victory lane: NHMS’s quirky tradition

New Hampshire Motor Speedway stands out not just for its 1.058-mile oval, but for its living victory trophy. Instead of a crystal statuette, each NHMS winner poses with Loudon the Lobster, a massive shellfish kept in a tank by local restaurateurs. The tradition began a decade ago, and the crustacean prize has become a

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