Richmond County leaders welcome NASCAR back to the Rock

ROCKINGHAM — The news of NASCAR’s return to the famed Rockingham Speedway has local leaders excited for Richmond County’s future.

It was announced Thursday afternoon that the Rock would host races for NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series and the Xfinity Series on the weekend of April 18-19.

“On behalf of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, we are proud to welcome NASCAR and the fans back to The Rockingham Speedway!” Chairman Jeff Smart said in a press release. “We are thrilled to be added to the racing schedule; we have been waiting a long time for this exciting news.”

The Craftsman Truck Series held races at the Rock in 2012 and 2013 — the last NASCAR-sanction events. The last Cup and Xfinity races were both held in 2004.

“It truly gives us something else to look forward to next spring—bringing this resurrected facility back to life, one that is a true asset to our county.”

Economic Developer Martie Butler said bringing NASCAR back has been “a team effort.”

“Racing is in the fabric of Richmond County and the support from the community and race fans has been overwhelming,” Butler said. The economic impact of this will be transformational to not only Richmond County, but the Sandhills region.”

The team referred to by Butler includes: the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, members of N.C. General Assembly, Gov. Roy Cooper, the city of Rockingham, the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, track owner Dan Lovenheim, Track Enterprises and NASCAR — “along with many others.”

“All have played an integral role in getting our beloved speedway back on the schedule,” Butler said.

Butler and County Manager Bryan Land were among those thanked by the track during the open house in July.

In his younger years, Land worked for his grandfather in a variety of capacities at the track, as have many in the county.

“This announcement is years in the making and something that you won’t want to miss,” said Land. “We look forward to the revitalization of the Speedway and the economic impact it will have on our county and region.

“This is great news from NASCAR and an indication of the importance The Rock has played and will continue to play in Richmond County and the State of North Carolina.”