How NASCAR’s unlikely return to Rockingham was possible for 2025

Rockingham Speedway is again (once more) within the newest effort to return NASCAR racing to the historic venue.  Throughout the only off-weekend for the Cup Series in 2025 (Easter), the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Collection will head to ‘The Rock’ in a shocking revival of the North Carolina observe. The Vans will run on Friday, April 18, and the Xfinity automobiles will function the primary occasion on Saturday, April 19.

“Rockingham Speedway has a storied historical past in NASCAR, so we sit up for the return of the NASCAR Xfinity Collection and NASCAR Truck Collection to the famed racetrack,” stated Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Govt Vice President, Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer. “The vacation race weekend at The Rock will provide the chance to showcase the longer term stars of the game at a venue with a wealthy historical past.”

Will probably be the primary Truck Collection race at Rockingham since 2013 and the primary Xfinity race there since 2004. Rockingham additionally hosted Cup races from 1965 via the 2004 season. There was a short effort to revive it within the early 2010s with the Truck Collection, however it solely lasted two years. The primary revival failed as the cash rapidly dried up, and the observe has been auctioned off a number of instances within the final 20 years.

The American Rescue Plan

So, how is that this efficiently taking place in 2025? It is not dissimilar to the occasions surrounding North Wilkesboro Speedway’s unlikely resurrection. After falling into disrepair, North Wilkesboro was miraculously restored and now hosts the All-Star Race yearly. The funds for the challenge got here from The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which deliberate to assist the nation recuperate from the impression of the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Carolina governor Roy Cooper allotted hundreds of thousands of {dollars} to a few race tracks within the state – together with $9 million directed in the direction of Rockingham for infrastructure functions. Lower than one yr later, the 1.017-mile observe underwent an entire repave, up to date garages, a brand new media middle, and several other different enhancements. 

The ultimate NASCAR Cup race at Rockingham in 2004, the place Matt Kenseth beat Kasey Kahne in a photograph end.

Picture by: Motorsport Images

“Rockingham Speedway is proud to welcome NASCAR and particularly race followers from all around the state again to Richmond County,” stated Rockingham Speedway proprietor Dan Lovenheim. “Our group has put an incredible quantity of labor and assets into modernizing the property and offering the realm with a vacation spot to be pleased with. This second validates our plans. We’ve refreshed your entire facility and are keen to point out race followers what we’ve achieved.

“We’re wanting ahead to partnering with Monitor Enterprises and NASCAR to host the NASCAR Xfinity Collection and NASCAR Truck Collection over Easter Weekend. We’re additionally grateful to Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Legislature for sharing and investing in our imaginative and prescient. We will’t wait to see the inexperienced flag wave once more on NASCAR racing at The Rock.”