Rockingham Speedway, one of the most historic racetracks in the history of American motorsports, has been purchased by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
The one-mile racetrack was a fixture on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for more than four decades (from 1965 to 2004), and last April, made its first appearance on a NASCAR National Series schedule in two decades.
“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”
The move reflects a continued commitment from the International Hot Rod Association to preserve motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties. The racetrack has played a major role in NASCAR for quite some time, and remains the pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.
IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory by enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style events, alongside the already scheduled marquee racing events.
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series East will be returning to the racetrack known affectionately as “The Rock” on Easter Weekend in 2026. The second annual revival of the racetrack is destined to build on the attendance, excitement, and action of 2025.
“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” said Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”
Rockingham Speedway will be playing a meaningful role in the organization’s broader strategy of revitalizing historic motorsports venues, while creating sustainable, fan-focused experiences.
“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special,” Cuttell added. “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”
Additional announcements regarding the Easter Weekend NASCAR events, facility enhancements, and future schedules will be released in the coming months.
One Response
Let’s hope the NASCAR exes learned their lesson and doesn’t try to put a pin in the IHRA new grassroots National Stock Car Series. ?