Story By: SHANNON STEPHENS / NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY – LOUDON, NH – The stakes of the “Big Game” just got a little larger, thanks to a trio of NASCAR speedways.
New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath, Dover International Speedway’s President and CEO Mike Tatoian, and Pocono Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky have decided a little side bet will add some octane to the Feb. 4 title game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles.
On the line will be some tasty treats and a photo op of shame for the losing track or tracks. It may be a two-on-one proposition, but a one-to-one bet just doesn’t seem fair anymore, does it?
New Hampshire Motor Speedway/Patriots Fans vs.
Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway/Eagles Fans
The wager
When the Patriots Repeat
- Dover buys NHMS a Blue Crab lunch and provides one four-pack of tickets and one RV spot for a NHMS fan to see a race at Dover International Speedway.
- Pocono provides NHMS with one four-pack of tickets and one RV spot for a NHMS fan to see a race at Pocono Raceway and posts a photo/video of Tricky wearing a Patriots jersey to congratulate the team.
If the Eagles (somehow/inexplicably) win
- NHMS provides a lobster roll lunch to Dover and one four-pack of tickets and one RV spot for a Dover International Speedway fan to see a race at NHMS.
- NHMS provides Pocono with one four-pack of tickets and one RV spot for a Pocono Raceway fan to see a race at NHMS, plus posts a photo/video of Milo wearing an Eagles jersey to congratulate the team.
David McGrath: “28-3. I’m not sure I can say much more than that. Last year proved just how difficult it is to beat Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. When the confetti falls on Sunday night, we will be celebrating back-to-back NFL titles and a remarkable sixth ring for the Greatest of All Time. So, and I think I said this last year, if my colleagues would like some of our famous New England lobster, they need to book a trip to New England. I greatly look forward to sampling some blue crab while we celebrate another New England title.”
Nick Igdalsky: “I have been a Philadelphia Eagles fan my entire life. This is the year, and they will soar higher than they have ever soared before on Sunday! Milo will end up in an Eagles jersey when it is all said and done. Besides the wave of momentum currently carrying the Eagles, there are three other reasons why it will be their year. 1. Tricky’s firesuit is green and will bring them added luck. 2. The trophy our race winners receive is an eagle and the Eagles are winners. 3. The 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion, Martin Truex Jr., is an Eagles fan. So, the only thing left to say is…Fly, Eagles, fly! On the road to Victory!!! E-A-G-L-E-S! EAGLES!!!”
Mike Tatoian: “There is no more majestic creature than the Eagle, and there will be no greater satisfaction among sports fans throughout the country than the moment they witness the crowning of a new Super Bowl champion. Philadelphia has waited a long time to notch its first Super Bowl win, and it will be that much sweeter when we beat the Patriots.”
Fans are encouraged to join in the conversation and support their respective teams on all social media platforms by using the hashtags #NHMSPatriots or #PoconoEagles and #MonsterMileEagles.
