The echoes of engines at Rockingham Speedway may soon fall silent once again, this time not from lack of demand but from controversy. A state investigation into a $375,000 grant has cast uncertainty over the track’s future, stirring outrage among fans and raising questions about the decisions made by Richmond County leaders. For a venue steeped in NASCAR history and revived with high hopes, the probe threatens to unravel the fragile foundation built for its return.
Key Highlights
North Carolina SBI launched a financial crimes probe into a $375,000 grant tied to Rockingham Speedway.
The investigation centers on Richmond County Commissioners’ handling of funds, not the speedway’s direct use.
The grant was crucial to covering debts, including $600,000 owed for SAFER barriers.
Rockingham is scheduled to host the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series in April 2026.
Fan reactions highlight frustration, skepticism, and sadness about the track’s uncertain future.
A Historic Track Under Fire
Rockingham Speedway has always carried a special weight in NASCAR lore. Since its 1965 opening, legends like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt turned laps there, making it a fixture until the Cup Series left in 2004. The return of national racing in 2025 reignited passion, producing nearly $40 million in reported economic impact for the region. A second Easter weekend doubleheader is planned for 2026, but that optimism is now shadowed by the ongoing investigation.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) confirmed it is reviewing allegations of financial violations by Richmond County Commissioners. The $375,000 grant was approved by a narrow 4-3 vote on August 21, 2025, meant to cover outstanding safety upgrade bills, including installation of SAFER barriers. Hamlet City Manager John Terziu sparked the probe after alleging open meetings violations, favoritism, and conflicts of interest.
District Attorney Jamie Adams then referred the case to the SBI’s financial crimes unit. Former County Attorney Michael Newman defended the legality of the grant but resigned abruptly on September 5, 2025. His exit fueled suspicion as officials scrambled to maintain stability.
"The North Carolina [State Bureau of Investigation] said it opened an investigation into the grant money that was allocated to a vendor of Rockingham Speedway from Richmond County Commissioners." – @WSOCtv https://t.co/3i6UUTCvk0
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) September 9, 2025
For Rockingham, the scrutiny is more than paperwork. The speedway had piled up significant debt, and without the grant, vendors threatened to pull back, jeopardizing the 2026 races.
NASCAR Fans Voice Concerns
The investigation hasn’t gone unnoticed by NASCAR’s loyal base. Social media filled quickly with disappointment, humor, and frustration.
“Having NASCAR finally return to Rockingham after 12 years only for it to be shuttered again because of a financial scandal might be the biggest blueball this sport has seen in the past 25 years.” – Fan reaction
“Where do they think the money went?” – Fan reaction
“RIP The Rock, probably for good this time 😕.” – Fan reaction
“Practically laundering taxpayer money into a donor’s pockets.” – Fan reaction
This wave of commentary underscores the community’s unease. Many hoped Rockingham’s revival could eventually secure a Cup date, but the unfolding saga risks erasing that vision.
The Stakes for NASCAR
Chair Rick Watkins argued the grant kept Rockingham viable, even suggesting it paved the way for a Cup Series opportunity. NASCAR itself delayed releasing its 2026 schedule while these negotiations played out, signaling the track’s importance. Watkins pointed to the strong 2025 turnout as proof the investment was justified, but critics called the process rushed and opaque.
“The investigation appears to be into the Board of County Commissioners for potentially violating laws in how they went about allocating the money, not the track for misusing the money. Either way it may still end with them having to give the money back, but I’m more concerned that the track’s finances are so tight that a lien could be placed on it for a $375k overdue bill.” – Fan reaction
Rockingham’s history of financial turbulence looms large. After losing its Cup date in 2004, the track endured years of underuse before resurfacing with ARCA and regional events. The latest revival rested heavily on public funds, a fact not lost on fans now watching the investigation unfold.
If the SBI uncovers wrongdoing, consequences could ripple across NASCAR’s calendar, leaving Easter weekend in flux and fans questioning whether “The Rock” can withstand another setback.
News in Brief: NASCAR Fan React to Rockingham Speedway Scandal
Rockingham Speedway’s future hangs in the balance as the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation probes a $375,000 grant approved by Richmond County Commissioners. The funds were used to cover safety upgrades and debts, but allegations of open meetings violations and conflicts of interest have raised alarms. Fans expressed frustration and sadness, with some fearing the track may close again. Rockingham remains scheduled to host the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series in April 2026.
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