NASCAR returns to Rockingham Speedway after 12 years. The track, known as The Rock, now has a brand-new surface. The first race begins on April 18, 2025, with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Tests show the track is faster than ever before. But a big question remains. Can the new pavement handle the high speeds of today’s cars? As the engines prepare to roar again, all eyes turn to this historic track for answers.
Key Highlights
- Rockingham Speedway’s repave provides improved conditions, allowing for faster lap times and potentially higher speeds during races.
- During testing, Gio Ruggiero and Corey Day recorded impressive speeds, highlighting the track’s enhanced performance capabilities.
- The track’s durability will be tested by the increased speeds and performance demands of modern NASCAR vehicles.
- The return of NASCAR events, including the Craftsman Truck Series, could stress test the new surface under race conditions.
- Rockingham’s history of hosting high-speed events suggests it can handle the challenges of modern NASCAR speeds.
Return to Rockingham Overview
Although it has been over a decade since the roar of engines echoed through the historic Rockingham Speedway, the return of NASCAR heralds a meaningful moment of nostalgia and celebration.
The 1.017-mile facility in Rockingham, North Carolina, aptly dubbed “The Rock,” has long been a revered venue in motorsport history. After a 12-year hiatus, the track welcomes back the excitement and intensity of NASCAR, rekindling the spirit of competition that once captivated fans nationwide.
This event marks the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series‘ return on Friday, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series East on Saturday.
The weekend promises a thrilling spectacle, uniting fans with a shared love for racing and honoring the legacy of a track that has witnessed countless memorable moments. This return signifies not just a racing event, but a reconnection with the past, offering a poignant tribute to the track’s enduring legacy and relevance in NASCAR history.
Facts and Schedule
The return of NASCAR to Rockingham Speedway is encapsulated in a series of events that pay tribute to the storied legacy of this iconic track.
The much-anticipated weekend begins on April 18, 2025, with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Black’s Tire 200, starting at 5:00 p.m. ET. This race unfolds in three thrilling stages—45, 90, and 200 laps—and will be broadcast on FS1.
The excitement continues on April 19, 2025, with the ARCA Menards Series East Rockingham ARCA 125 at 1:00 p.m., available on FloRacing and the NASCAR Channel on Tubi.
Later that day, at 4:00 p.m. ET, the NASCAR Xfinity Series North Carolina Education Lottery 250 takes center stage. This race, divided into stages of 60, 120, and 250 laps, will be televised on The CW Network.
This carefully curated schedule guarantees fans experience the full spectrum of NASCAR’s return to “The Rock.”
History at ‘The Rock
A storied chapter in NASCAR’s history, Rockingham Speedway, affectionately known as ‘The Rock,’ stands as a monument to the sport’s rich past.
Initially opened in 1965 as North Carolina Motor Speedway, this iconic 1.017-mile track carved its name into racing lore with its distinctive D-shape and high-banked, abrasive surface, consistently delivering thrilling races.
Over its distinguished tenure, ‘The Rock’ hosted 78 NASCAR Cup Series events, becoming a cherished staple in the racing calendar. Legendary driver Richard Petty left an indelible mark with 11 Cup wins at Rockingham, a testament to the track’s revered status among competitors.
Despite its removal from the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2004, the speedway briefly revived its legacy with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events in 2012 and 2013.
This weekend marks a poignant return to tradition as the NASCAR Xfinity Series revisits the track, rekindling memories of its vibrant past and honoring its enduring legacy.
Track Repave and Testing Speeds
Whispers of anticipation filled the air as Rockingham Speedway awaited its return to the spotlight, with the latest repaving breathing new life into its storied track.
The new surface, completed since the last races in 2013, presents a formidable challenge, promising thrilling speeds and potential record-breaking performances.
In January, testing sessions revealed the track’s newfound potential, showing incredible speeds that set the stage for an exhilarating weekend.
Gio Ruggiero electrified the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series testing with a blistering lap time of 21.888 moments, clocking in at 167.270 mph—nearly 10 mph faster than Rusty Wallace’s longstanding Cup Series record from 2000.
Meanwhile, Corey Day impressed during the Xfinity Series testing, achieving a lap time of 22.540 moments at 162.431 mph.
This repave positions Rockingham as a canvas for speed, where competitors must adapt to its fresh demands, poised to etch new chapters in its illustrious history.
Kasey Kahne’s Return
In a heartfelt return to the NASCAR arena, Kasey Kahne will grace Rockingham Speedway once more, rekindling memories of past victories and celebrating a storied career.
This weekend, the veteran driver takes on the NASCAR Xfinity Series, marking his initial NASCAR start since 2018. Kahne’s return to “The Rock” is particularly noteworthy, as it was here he achieved success in the 2012 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event, etching his accomplishments into the track’s history.
Partnering with Richard Childress Racing for this one-off appearance, Kahne aims to remind fans of his remarkable legacy.
Since stepping away from NASCAR, Kahne has dedicated himself to Sprint Car racing, currently competing full-time in the Kubota High Limit Racing Sprint Car Series, where he sits eighth in points.
His Rockingham return not only serves as a nostalgic nod to his past accomplishments but also highlights his enduring passion for racing excellence.
News in Brief: NASCAR Returns to The Rock
As NASCAR returns to Rockingham Speedway, the echoes of the past blend with the roar of modern engines, creating a poignant tribute to the sport’s enduring legacy. The newly paved track, a symbol of resilience, stands ready to meet the demands of today’s racing, while drivers like Kasey Kahne evoke memories of legendary battles fought on this historic ground. This weekend is not just a race; it’s a heartfelt celebration of tradition, innovation, and the relentless spirit of NASCAR.
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