The Merrimack County Superior Court has cleared away the final hurdles to a proposed country music festival at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. After a nearly two-year process, a judge has ruled in the Speedway's favor, clearing the way for a three-day music festival with Live Nation in the summer of 2019.

"This is absolutely terrific news for music fans, local business and for tourism in the Capitol Region," said David McGrath, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  "Many thanks to the Court for a thorough review of the claims. We have our approvals from the Town of Loudon and we are ecstatic to move forward with this event. This has been a long time in the making and we cannot wait to put on one heck of a show."

Among the findings in the Merrimack Superior Court:

• The Court agreed NHMS has the right to hold concerts on its property, which is currently zoned for such events.
• The Court clarified that the restriction from the 1989 settlement agreement pertains to the racetrack and grandstands; the property purchased and owned at that time. 
• The Court recognized that property purchased after 1989 and zoned for concerts and outdoor events are not included in the 1989 settlement agreement.

The country music festival will be held in the S6 lot of NHMS property as originally proposed and approved. In partnership with Live Nation, this festival will include camping and three days of music from top country artists.

"Speedway Motorsports Incorporated is proud of its tradition of hosting high quality, family-oriented entertainment options at all of its facilities including NHMS," added McGrath.  "We commissioned a full impact study to review any and all impacts on the community. That report concluded the country music festival will have an overwhelmingly positive economic impact on the region.  We are ready to move forward."