Why Did NHRA Buy Rockingham Speedway?

Rockingham Speedway (Via On3.com)

🔍 Explore this post with:

Rockingham Speedway, also known as The Rock, is one of the most iconic tracks in US. Known for the brutal challenge it offers the drivers since 1965; it has been one of the best tracks for stock car racing. There was a two-decade absence from NASCAR over the Ferko Lawsuit starting from 2004, the track was revived with a $15 million investment in 2018 and since has been part of the Cup schedule.

Now the track is set for another major change, as he International Hot Rod Association has purchased the Rockingham Speedway from the current owners. Talking about their goals behind the acquisition, IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell asserted that they are determined to respect the history of the track and bring more quality racing to the iconic Richmond County venue.

IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world. This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.
Darryl Cuttell said via RACER.com.

Further talking about the point, Cuttell asserted that they won’t be changing anything that made Rockingham special and instead will be investing more into it. He wants take care of the track that was once covered in weeds after it was abandoned, and also hopes to give fans the opportunity to make great memories.

This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special. It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.
Darryl Cuttell added.

Richard Childress Reveals His Dangerous Double Life Before NASCAR Glory

IHRA wants to restore Rockingham to its former glory

In their statement about the purchase, IHRA pointed our that they are looking to get the track back to its former glory, while also making investment aimed to making it a multi-use venue, which can be big revenue generating asset for them.

(IHRA) intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.
IHRA statement.

Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority Meghann Lambeth also shared her thoughts on the sale. For the county it is one of the most recognizable and celebrated tourism and is expecting more visitors, once the new owner makes more investment.

For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons. We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association.
Meghann Lambeth said.

The comments from the everyone involved in the sale seems rational and gives the racing fans from Richmond County hope about the good days ahead. It would be interesting to see how IHRA is going to change the track and how it’s going to affect NASCAR races.

Also Read: “Now the Sponsors Are so Small!” Mark Martin Admits TV Money Runs NASCAR

#About the Author

Justin P Joy

(5880 Articles Published)

Justin P Joy is a Motorsports writer and editor at FirstSportz. He has been a motorsport journalist since 2020 and has published over 5000+ articles. Justin has extensively covered two NASCAR, Formula One, and Moto GP seasons for FirstSportz. He has invested more than a decade of his life on Motorsports, first as a fan and later as a dedicated writer. Justin’s in-depth knowledge of Motorsports and his experience as a fan make his writing resonate with most racing fans worldwide. Justin's love for racing started when he discovered Moto GP at the age of 8. That love later guided him into the world of Formula 1. He fell in love with NASCAR after watching Tom Cruise’s “Days of Thunder” and has been an avid follower of the premier stock car racing series since. He has also been investing his time to exploring WEC, WRC, Formula E, Extreme E, and IndyCar in a bid to deeply understand the culture and history of Motorsports to present a unique perspective to the fans.

Comments

Please login to join the discussion.

Be the first to comment!