There are moments in NASCAR history that leave fans on the edge of their seats, and this weekend promises one of those moments. A track that hasn’t echoed with the roar of NASCAR engines since 2013 is making its grand return, and it’s a spectacle not to be missed. Rockingham Speedway, known for its dramatic racing and rich heritage, is back on the NASCAR schedule. But what does this mean for fans, and how can the action be caught?
A Storied Return to Rockingham
After a hiatus since 2013, NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway is a momentous occasion for racing fans. Known for its thrilling finishes and unique racing conditions, Rockingham holds a special place in NASCAR history. Originally opened in 1965 and reconfigured in 1969, the track’s challenging layout has always provided a backdrop for dramatic races. Now, with the track recently renovated and $9 million invested to improve its facilities, the excitement surrounding the revival of Rockingham Speedway is palpable.
For fans tuning in, the return to Rockingham signifies more than just another race on the schedule. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Black’s Tire 200 on Friday, April 18, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ North Carolina Education Lottery 250 on Saturday, April 19, promise to offer competitive, exciting racing at a venue where history is made.
Race Weekend Broadcast Schedule
With a full weekend of racing action at Rockingham Speedway, there are plenty of opportunities to catch the races from start to finish. Whether you’re watching from home or on the go, here’s everything you need to know about the broadcast schedule.
Friday, April 18: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
- 12:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice (FS2)
- 1:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying (FS2)
- 5:00 p.m. ET – Black’s Tire 200, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (FS1)
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series gets things started with practice and qualifying earlier in the day, but the highlight will be the Black’s Tire 200, which takes place at 5 p.m. ET. Fans can tune into FS1 to watch the action unfold as the series returns to Rockingham Speedway for the first time in over a decade.
Saturday, April 19: NASCAR Xfinity Series
- 11:30 a.m. ET – NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying (CW App)
- 1:00 p.m. ET – ARCA Menards Series East Rockingham 125 (FloRacing)
- 4:00 p.m. ET – North Carolina Education Lottery 250, NASCAR Xfinity Series (The CW Network)
On Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will race in the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 at 4 p.m. ET. If you’re unsure where to find The CW Network, you can easily check local listings using the CW’s station guide, which allows you to search based on your zip code. Qualifying for the Xfinity Series begins at 11:30 a.m. ET and will be streamed on the CW App.
A Special Driver Return: Kasey Kahne’s Comeback
One of the most exciting storylines of the weekend is the return of Kasey Kahne, the former NASCAR Cup Series star, to NASCAR competition. Kahne, who retired from full-time Cup Series racing in 2018 due to health issues, will race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Richard Childress Racing. He’ll be piloting the No. 33 Chevrolet, sponsored by HendrickCars.com.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a stock car, especially at a place like Rockingham Speedway. Rockingham has been a special track throughout my career.” – Kasey Kahne
Kahne’s return to Rockingham is especially meaningful to fans who remember his victory in the 2012 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the track. His connection to the speedway runs even deeper—he nearly claimed his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win at Rockingham in 2004, finishing second. For Kahne, this race is a way to reconnect with his NASCAR roots and remind fans why he was one of the sport’s most talented drivers.
With Kahne back on track and the truck series making its return, this weekend’s races are poised to create lasting memories for fans of the sport.
Track Characteristics and Fan Expectations
NASCAR fans have long been drawn to Rockingham for its unique layout, which provides ample opportunities for passing and exciting race strategies. The D-shaped oval features 22 degrees of banking in Turns 1 and 2 and 25 degrees in Turns 3 and 4, giving the track the feel of a speedway but with the tight turns that resemble short tracks like Dover and Phoenix.
Fans are eager to see how the repaving of the track, which was completed in 2022, will affect the racing. The fresh asphalt has the potential to change the dynamics, as tire wear is no longer as significant as it once was.
Core Heim, who participated in the test session, commented on how fast the track felt. While some fans are cautious in managing their expectations—especially given how repaves can alter race conditions—many are still excited by the prospect of seeing classic racing return to this iconic track.
Why Rockingham Matters: NASCAR’s Heritage and Future
As fans celebrate the return of Rockingham, there is a renewed sense of pride in NASCAR’s rich history. This race weekend not only signifies a return to a beloved venue but also highlights NASCAR’s continued efforts to bring back historic tracks that shaped the sport’s foundation. Fans have expressed their desire for Rockingham to eventually play a bigger role in the Cup Series calendar, much like North Wilkesboro, which made its return in 2023.
The revival of Rockingham represents more than just a race weekend. It’s a celebration of NASCAR’s heritage and a chance for fans to relive some of the best moments the sport has ever seen. It’s also a glimpse into the future, where tracks like Rockingham could once again become integral parts of NASCAR’s schedule. As one fan put it, “There’s no bad reason why it shouldn’t replace Phoenix… it has a history of great finishes, and it geographically makes sense.”
News In Brief: A Historic Weekend Awaits at Rockingham
NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends of the 2025 season. With both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series in action, fans are in for a treat. The presence of Kasey Kahne and the thrilling characteristics of Rockingham’s challenging layout add extra excitement to the mix. This weekend is a reminder of NASCAR’s deep connection to its history, and it promises to be a special moment for fans old and new.
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