Rockingham Speedway: NASCAR revival excites fans and officials

Rockingham Speedway has reemerged as a focal point in NASCAR’s return to historic tracks. The revived venue impressed fans and officials with a sold-out Xfinity Series race and “unbelievable turnout” during Easter weekend. Community figures like former mayor Gene McLaurin and promoter Bob Sargent recognize the track’s deep local roots and hope its latest upgrades, including a $12 million repaving, pave the way for a future NASCAR Cup Series event.

Owner Dan Lovenheim and city manager Monty Crump both credit a mix of state support, local pride and racing nostalgia for the track’s revival. With the property now for sale, many wonder if Rockingham’s recent momentum will finally bring the Cup Series back after a 20-year absence.

David Pearson after one of his 105 wins in NASCAR’s top divison, the second-most all time behind Richard Petty’s 200. The NASCAR Hall of Famer earned his 100th win at the racetrack in Rockingham, N.C.

NO. 1: A TIMELINE OF ROCKINGHAM’S RACING HISTORY AS NASCAR RETURNS TO SPECIAL NC TRACK

The first Cup race in 1965. The last in 2004. The racetrack’s construction, abandonment and resurrection. Relive Rockingham’s racing history here. | Published April 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow

Dan Lovenheim and his dog, a 2½-year-old black Great Dane named Cub, stand on the roof of Rockingham Speedway on Monday, March 31, 2025. Since 2018 Lovenheim has owned the 250-acre raceway space that will welcome back racing the weekend of April 19. By Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

NO. 2: A NIGHTCLUB MAGNATE AND AN NC TOWN KEPT ROCKINGHAM’S NASCAR DREAMS ALIVE — AND STILL DO

Here’s the unlikely story of Rockingham Speedway’s resurrection — and what needs to happen for the Cup Series to return there. | Published April 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow

NASCAR fan Donnie Cobbler of Ellerbe, NC talks about how happy he is with the return of NASCAR to Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, NC on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Cobbler attended Thunder Fest in downtown Rockingham on Thursday evening that featured former NASCAR drivers Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader along with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and XFINITY Series drivers. By JEFF SINER

NO. 3: ROCKINGHAM CELEBRATES NASCAR’S RETURN WITH JOY — AND THE HOPE IT STICKS AROUND

“We are back,” one Richmond County native said Thursday. “And I hope to stay.” | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow

The field in the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 passes the front stretch to start the race at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, April 19, 2025. By JEFF SINER

NO. 4: ROCKINGHAM’S REVIVAL WEEKEND WAS A HUGE SUCCESS. IS NASCAR CUP SERIES NEXT?

Rockingham’s special weekend naturally prompted the idea of a Cup race: “It’s a process. But we are on the radar.” | Published April 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow

NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers blur past The Rock during action in the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, April 19, 2025. By JEFF SINER

NO. 5: NASCAR PRESIDENT CALLS ROCKINGHAM TURNOUT ‘UNBELIEVABLE,’ HINTS AT ITS FUTURE

Steve O’Donnell said the sanctioning body would “love to keep it as an Xfinity Series and Truck Series staple, and maybe bring in more Cup drivers to race that weekend.” | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow

NASCAR fans welcomed action back to Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, April 19, 2025 with the running of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250. By JEFF SINER

NO. 6: ROCKINGHAM SPEEDWAY IS UP FOR SALE AFTER SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO NASCAR

Rockingham Speedway owner Dan Lovenheim explained: “The time is right to pass the baton to someone who can take it farther than we can.” | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.