Rockingham Speedway teases Cup Series return after impressive Xfinity Series race
The iconic track of the Rockingham Speedway could finally return to NASCAR calendars in 2026 after a hiatus of over two decades.
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Rockingham Speedway (via NASCAR)
The Rockingham Speedway might be on the trajectory of a major comeback to NASCAR after not being part of the calendar for over 20 years. The iconic circuit has not hosted a Cup Series race since 2004 due to the declining audiences.
last week Rockingham hosted the Xfinity Series this year for the first time after two decades ago, with the Craftsman Truck Series also returning. Now, the President and CEO of Track Enterprises, Bob Sargent, has raised confidence that the track might return to NASCAR.
The iconic track of Rockingham Speedway was sold to ex-NASCAR driver Andy Hillenburg in 2007 after closing down in 2004. Since then, the track underwent multiple closures, ownership changes, and many more situations. As such, the potential return of the track might be a great, heartwarming story for the die-hard fans of the sport. Following the circuit’s recent success at hosting the Xfinity Series, Bob Sargent was questioned regarding his thoughts on the big return of NASCAR.
Sargent remains extremely confident that the recent successes have placed Rockingham on a great trajectory to return to the NASCAR Cup Series. The American pointed out that the sport being so big had only so many races in a year. Therefore, adding another racing destination to the calendar wouldn’t be much of a problem for NASCAR. Bob Sargent further emphasized that there were many factors behind the dates of the races, as the return of the Rockingham Speedway wasn’t set in stone yet.
Yes, absolutely, with the caveat that NASCAR is a big, worldwide entity, and when you look at dates, there are only so many. There are only so many geographic regions and things like that. So there are many factors that go into when dates get put where. So it’s not a magic wand. “But I feel comfortable, and am not saying anything out of line that, yes, we did everything we needed to do.
Bob Sargent told The Charlotte Observer.
The Sources close to the situation suggest that if all goes smoothly, an announcement could come as early as late summer 2025. This is a highly motivating factor for not only the fans but also Bob Sargent, as he revealed that the process for a return was already in the works. The American acknowledged that the revival of Rockingham was a giant process. Still, the circuit was on the radar of returning to the calendar as early as the 2026 season.
It’s a process. But we are on the radar. We are in that process.
Bob Sargent added.
Bob Sargent reveals the ‘positive feedback’ from everyone in the NASCAR community
Bob Sargent was present at the Xfinity Series race held on Thursday and discussed Rockingham’s return with a lot of notable people in the community. The American asserted that he had conversations with multiple former NASCAR presidents and even the current board members regarding the status quo. Although Sargent did not delve into the technicalities of his conversation, he raised only positives from his conversation with the people involved.
Talked to a lot of different people at NASCAR, whether they were here or weren’t here. [Former NASCAR president and current board member] Mike Helton was here yesterday, and I talked to people on the phone today. And the teams that were here, we talked to them a lot.
Bob Sargeant noted.
Sargent highlighted that he also discussed the matter with veteran drivers who had raced at the iconic circuit back in the day. The NASCAR fans remained a part of the discussion as they would play a crucial role in Rockingham’s potential return to the calendar. The President of Track Enterprises disclosed that all the conversations that he had with the people remained highly positive in his pursuit of the circuit’s return.
Older, veteran drivers that I got relationships with, they were texting me, calling me. And then again, the sponsors who were here, I talked with them all day long. The fans. The officials. My workers. A lot of positives from everybody.
Bob Sargent concluded.
The return of the Rockingham Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series would definitely be a highlight for the old fans of the sport. The sport might be heading towards a new era of racing as they aim to combine traditional circuits with modern regulations. Still, the track needs to pass the regulations and ensure safety while maximizing benefits for American sport. The bid to return the iconic circuit will continue to gain traction until the final decision is revealed.
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