Gio Ruggiero destroys track records at Rockingham in a way no one saw coming. Fans and drivers were left stunned as he set a new record, leaving NASCAR rivals in the dust. Rockingham Speedway, once quiet, is now the talk of the racing world. With NASCAR returning in 2025, these test sessions reveal a hidden battle for speed and dominance.
Key Highlights
- Gio Ruggiero set a new record at Rockingham Speedway with a speed of 167.270 mph.
- Ruggiero’s performance eclipsed Ty Majeski’s previous record set during the same test session.
- His record-breaking lap contributed to a highly competitive environment among 32 drivers.
- The achievement highlights Ruggiero’s skill and showcases the high-speed potential of Rockingham’s new surface.
- Ruggiero’s feat sets a new benchmark for future NASCAR events at the track.
NASCAR Testing at Rockingham Extended
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series test session at Rockingham Speedway faced an unexpected extension.
Originally planned as a one-day event, the session spanned two days following delays caused by a damp racetrack on Tuesday morning. The extended timeframe allowed teams to thoroughly assess and adapt to the track’s unique characteristics.
Rockingham Speedway, known for its absence from the NASCAR National Series schedule since 2013, presented competitors with a refreshed challenge. The tests were essential in providing valuable data, allowing drivers and teams to fine-tune their strategies for the track’s demanding layout.
By the finale of the two-day test on Wednesday, the track’s potential for high-speed racing became evident, reinforcing its reputation as a formidable venue.
The session highlighted the complexities of track conditions and their impact on racing dynamics, emphasizing the necessity for adaptability and precision in motorsport.
Ty Majeski Shatters Track Records Before Being Overtaken
As the extended test session at Rockingham unfolded, attention quickly shifted to the remarkable performances on the track.
Defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ty Majeski stunned the motorsport community with his blistering lap in the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford F-150, reaching an average speed of 166.547 mph. This impressive feat shattered the 25-year-old NASCAR Cup Series track record by over eight-and-a-half mph, and surpassed the previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series record by nearly 20 mph.
However, by the end of the testing period, Majeski’s remarkable lap had been surpassed. On Day 2, his time was bested by emerging talents:
- Ruggiero clocked in at 167.270 mph.
- Kaden Honeycutt followed closely, mere fractions behind.
- Majeski’s time ultimately ranked in third place.
- A total of 32 drivers contributed to the competitive atmosphere.
Corey Day and Jesse Love Lead the Xfinity Series Test
Momentum was the driving force behind the NASCAR Xfinity Series test at Rockingham, where Corey Day and Jesse Love emerged as standout performers.
Corey Day, piloting the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, topped the chart with an impressive lap time of 22.540 moments, reaching a speed of 162.431 mph. At just 19, Day exhibited remarkable skill and potential, continuing the form he showed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Spire Motorsports.
Jesse Love, last year’s Rookie of the Year, was close behind, clocking in just 0.127 seconds slower in his Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. His performance highlighted his growing talent in the series.
Harrison Burton, who returned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series after three years in the Cup Series, secured third place, trailing Day by 0.148 seconds.
Veteran Kasey Kahne, making a one-off appearance, managed the 12th-fastest time, showcasing the competitive nature of the session.
Rockingham Speedway Draws Comparisons to Dover Motor Speedway
Drivers and teams shifted their focus from individual performances to the characteristics of Rockingham itself, drawing notable comparisons to Dover Motor Speedway.
With its freshly repaved surface in 2022, Rockingham surprised many with its exceptionally high speeds. Drivers likened it to Dover, known for its one-mile high-banked oval, where g-force loads challenge even the most skilled.
- High Speeds: The unexpected velocity at Rockingham mirrored the intense pace found at Dover, demanding precision and control.
- Banked Turns: Both tracks feature steep banking, which tests drivers’ ability to navigate turns at high speeds.
- Minor Accidents: The demanding nature led to minor incidents, including Mason Maggio and Sam Mayer, whose sessions ended early due to spins.
- Technical Challenges: The comparison highlighted the engineering demands of both tracks, pushing teams to refine their strategies and setups for peak performance.
NASCAR’s Return to Rockingham Set for April 2025
Marking a notable milestone in motorsports, NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway is set for April 2025, promising a weekend packed with high-speed competition.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will commence the action on Friday, April 18, with its initial race at the historic track. Enthusiasts can tune in to FS1 at 5 PM ET to witness the unfolding excitement.
The following day, Saturday, April 19, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will make a much-anticipated return to Rockingham, marking its primary event there since 2004. Television coverage for the Xfinity race is scheduled on The CW at 4 PM ET.
News in Brief: Gio Ruggiero Destroys Track Records at Rockingham
Gio Ruggiero’s recent performance at Rockingham Speedway has set a new benchmark in NASCAR testing, as he obliterated previous track records, leaving competitors trailing. This event marked a significant moment in NASCAR’s return to Rockingham, scheduled for April 2025, highlighting the track’s challenging conditions that extend testing durations.
Ruggiero’s achievement follows Majeski’s record-breaking lap, emphasizing the competitive spirit among drivers. With Corey Day and Jesse Love leading the Xfinity Series test, anticipation builds for future races.
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