After 12 quiet years, Rockingham Speedway is back. The track will host a major race on April 19, with 38 drivers set to compete. This event is part of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, and it covers 254.25 miles on a 1.017-mile oval. The mix of longtime racers and new names adds to the excitement. With qualifying underway and the field taking shape, many wonder what this return means for one of racing’s most historic tracks.
Key Highlights
- The North Carolina Education Lottery 250 marks NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway after a 12-year hiatus.
- Fans eagerly anticipate the 254.25-mile race on the historic 1.017-mile D-shaped oval track.
- The race features a mix of veteran drivers and newcomers, promising intense competition.
- Live coverage is available on CW and PRN, enhancing accessibility for fans.
- The event revitalizes Rockingham’s racing heritage, with hopes for future races at the venue.
Overview of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250
As the sun prepares to cast its golden glow over Rockingham, the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 is revving up to bring a dose of high-octane excitement back to the beloved Rockingham Speedway.
This 254.25-mile contest marks the 10th race of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, set to unfold on the storied 1.017-mile D-shaped oval track. It’s a homecoming for Rockingham, which last echoed with the roar of engines in 2013.
Racing fans enthusiastically anticipate the return of this historic venue, where 38 out of 40 determined drivers will battle it out on April 19.
The weekend kicks off with a practice session on Friday, April 18, at 3:05 pm ET, setting the stage for Saturday’s showdown. As engines roar to life, the anticipation is palpable, promising a thrilling spectacle that rekindles the spirit of racing days gone by, making it truly a race like no other.
Qualifying Order for the Race
With the dust barely settling from the practice session, attention shifts to the all-important qualifying order for the upcoming race.
As the sun casts a golden hue over Rockingham Speedway, the Stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Bob Pockrass, that trusted voice of NASCAR wisdom, took to X to reveal the lineup, and by golly, it’s a doozy.
Qualifying orders for Rockingham: pic.twitter.com/ks7h2lZYUN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 16, 2025
In Group A, Austin Green of Jordan Anderson Racing takes the lead, ready to blaze the trail. Hot on his heels is Kasey Kahne, a name that echoes with nostalgia and grit.
Group A
| No. | Driver Name | Car Number |
| 1 | Austin Green | 87 |
| 2 | Kasey Kahne | 33 |
| 3 | Dawson Cram | 74 |
| 4 | Katherine Legge | 32 |
| 5 | TBA | 53 |
| 6 | Greg Van Alst | 35 |
| 7 | Patrick Emerling | 7 |
| 8 | Josh Bilicki | 91 |
| 9 | Kris Wright | 5 |
| 10 | Garrett Smithley | 14 |
| 11 | Brennan Poole | 44 |
| 12 | William Sawalich | 18 |
| 13 | Thomas Annunziata | 70 |
| 14 | Blaine Perkins | 31 |
| 15 | Sheldon Creed | 0 |
| 16 | Vicente Salas | 45 |
| 17 | Ryan Ellis | 71 |
| 18 | Kyle Sieg | 28 |
| 19 | Matt DiBenedetto | 99 |
| 20 | Harrison Burton | 25 |
Over in Group B, Jeremy Clements, both owner and driver, leads the charge with a seasoned hand and steady resolve.
Group B
| No. | Driver Name | Car Number |
| 1 | Jeremy Clements | 51 |
| 2 | Parker Retzlaff | 4 |
| 3 | Jeb Burton | 27 |
| 4 | Taylor Gray | 54 |
| 5 | Anthony Alfredo | 42 |
| 6 | Austin Hill | 21 |
| 7 | Nick Sanchez | 48 |
| 8 | Josh Williams | 11 |
| 9 | Justin Bonsignore | 19 |
| 10 | Daniel Dye | 10 |
| 11 | Dean Thompson | 26 |
| 12 | Christian Eckes | 16 |
| 13 | Connor Zilisch | 88 |
| 14 | Ryan Sieg | 39 |
| 15 | Sam Mayer | 41 |
| 16 | Brandon Jones | 20 |
| 17 | Jesse Love | 2 |
| 18 | Carson Kvapil | 1 |
| 19 | Sammy Smith | 8 |
| 20 | Justin Allgaier | 7 |
Broadcast and Viewing Information
In relation to race day, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of catching the action as it unfolds, and folks won’t want to miss the North Carolina Education Lottery 250. The excitement of the NASCAR Xfinity Series is set to roll out on Saturday, gracing the screens of avid racing enthusiasts across the land. Rockingham Speedway will be alive with the roar of engines, and for those unable to be there in person, the CW network and PRN have got them covered.
Here’s what you need to know about @Rockingham1965, let’s take a lap.@HaasFactoryTeam @FordPerformance @Audibel_Hear @XfinityRacing @NASCAR_Xfinity @Clear28Agency @iRacing @TheCW_Sports @TheCW pic.twitter.com/yiVPdTe0Cj
— Sam Mayer (@sam_mayer_) April 16, 2025
Whether tuning in from the comfort of a cozy couch or gathered around with friends, folks can expect a heart-pounding experience. This event, steeped in history and tradition, promises to mesmerize, enchanting those who crave high-octane thrills.
News in Brief: North Carolina Education Lottery 250
As engines roar back to life at Rockingham Speedway, the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 reawakens a beloved racing tradition, stirring memories of days gone by. With 38 fierce contenders ready to take on the historic track, fans both old and new gather, united by their passion for speed and spectacle. This April 19th promises not just a race, but a heartfelt celebration of NASCAR history, where every lap echoes with the spirit of racing’s golden era.
