ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Track Enterprises announced that it will not host any NASCAR-sanctioned events at Rockingham Speedway during the 2027 season, bringing a pause to national series racing at the historic Richmond County venue.
The decision comes amid broader uncertainty surrounding the facility. Despite the break in the 2027 schedule, event promoter Track Enterprises emphasized that it remains committed to exploring future opportunities to bring racing back to the venue famously known as “The Rock.”
Two Successful Revival Seasons
The announcement follows two packed Easter weekend events that marked NASCAR’s return to the track after more than a decade away. Track Enterprises collaborated with NASCAR to bring touring series competition back to the 0.94-mile oval in 2025, drawing large crowds to the grandstands.
That success continued into 2026, when fans returned to watch a full lineup featuring the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series East.
“The response from the fans over the past two years has been nothing short of incredible,” said Bob Sargent, President of Track Enterprises. “Bringing NASCAR back to Rockingham was a special opportunity, and the support we received from race fans, competitors, sponsors, local officials, and the entire community exceeded every expectation. While we’re disappointed that NASCAR won’t be racing at Rockingham in 2027, we remain optimistic about the future and look forward to exploring opportunities to bring racing back in the future.”
Winning History at “The Rock”
First opened as a flat, one-mile oval in October 1965, Rockingham Speedway was reconfigured in 1969 into a high-banked D-shaped oval. National series racing departed the track after 2004, but a $9 million allocation from the North Carolina state budget in 2021—along with private investment—helped repair the racing surface and modernize the facilities for its 2025 return.
The brief two-year comeback produced memorable moments across all featured divisions:
2025 Event Winners
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NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: Tyler Ankrum
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NASCAR Series: Sammy Smith
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ARCA Menards Series East: Brent Crews
2026 Event Winners
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NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: Corey Heim
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NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: William Sawalich
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ARCA Menards Series East: Tristan McKee (led every lap from the pole)
Organizers Express Gratitude
Track Enterprises extended its gratitude to the fans, teams, drivers, and local sponsors who supported the revival over the last two years.
Promoters specifically recognized key regional and local partners, including Black’s Tire Service, the North Carolina Education Lottery, Richmond County, the City of Rockingham, Richmond County Tourism, local emergency personnel, and state officials for their work in bringing major motorsports back to the area.
Promoters noted that updates regarding future scheduling will be released as they become available, maintaining hope for another chapter at the storied speedway.
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