Opinion: It’s Time to Bring the NASCAR Cup Series Back to The Rock

Jim Foose | Speedway Action Magazine

For over four decades, the 1.017-mile abrasive oval in Richmond County, North Carolina, was a cornerstone of the NASCAR schedule. Then, in 2004, the engines fell silent for the Cup Series at Rockingham Speedway. But as the roar of racing has slowly returned to “The Rock” over the past few years, the question is no longer whether the track can host a major event, but rather: when will the NASCAR Cup Series finally come home?

The momentum surrounding Rockingham Speedway right now is undeniable. For those paying attention to the grassroots and lower national series, the track has already proven it belongs on the modern motorsports calendar.

Unprecedented Momentum and Ownership

The most significant turning point for Rockingham came at the very end of 2025 when the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) purchased the facility. Under the leadership of Darryl Cuttell, the IHRA didn’t just buy a racetrack; they bought into a legacy. With deep pockets and a strategic vision focused on preserving motorsports heritage, the new ownership has promised to be good stewards of the facility. They are actively positioning The Rock as a multi-use destination, upgrading fan amenities, and guaranteeing long-term stability—something the track has desperately needed.

But the new ownership is just the capstone on a foundation built by the fans. Over the past two years, the standalone events featuring the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the Craftsman Truck Series have been nothing short of a smashing success. Sellout crowds of over 20,000 to 25,000 passionate fans packed the grandstands on Easter weekends. The energy was electric, proving that the appetite for racing at Rockingham hasn’t just survived its hiatus; it has multiplied.

Furthermore, state and local leaders have put their money where their mouths are. The facility has seen millions in investments through state grants and private funds, leading to a pristine repaving of the racing surface, critical infrastructure improvements, and modernized utilities. The track isn’t a relic of the past; it is a revitalized arena ready for prime time.

The Roadblocks to a Cup Return

Despite the undeniable success, pushing for a Cup Series return is not without significant hurdles. The modern NASCAR landscape is incredibly competitive, and the logistics present real challenges:

• A Crowded Schedule: The Cup Series schedule is strictly capped at 36 points-paying races. To give Rockingham a date, NASCAR would have to take a date away from another facility—a politically and financially complex maneuver.
• The Saturated Market: Rockingham is situated in a rural location that is heavily saturated with world-class racing. It sits in the shadow of two annual races at Darlington Raceway, two at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and is only a couple hours’ drive from other historic venues.
• Facility Limitations: Unlike the colossal super-speedways, Rockingham has a limited seating capacity of around 32,000 seats.
• No Lights: In an era where prime-time television ratings rule, Rockingham’s lack of track lights restricts it to daytime racing, limiting broadcasting flexibility.

Why The Rock is Worth the Risk

While these challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. In fact, some of these “weaknesses” are exactly what modern NASCAR needs.

A 32,000-seat capacity doesn’t have to be a detriment; it creates a premium, high-demand, intimate ticket. We’ve seen the success of sold-out, smaller-capacity venues where scarcity drives an incredible atmosphere. And while the market may seem saturated, the sellout crowds for the Truck Series prove that fans will gladly make the pilgrimage to the Sandhills of North Carolina for this specific track. The abrasive surface and tire-wear battles unique to Rockingham produce a style of driver-focused racing that fans are begging for.

As for the lack of lights? A Sunday afternoon, tire-chewing, sun-baked race at The Rock is the purest form of stock car racing.

The IHRA has laid the groundwork, the state has provided the infrastructure, and the fans have overwhelmingly showed up. Rockingham Speedway has earned its second chance. It’s time for NASCAR to put the Cup Series back on the grid in Richmond County.

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