According to an announcement made in August 2024, NASCAR revealed its return to the historic Rockingham Speedway minus the Cup Series. It will be the first time since 2004 that the franchise has hosted a race at the venue. “The Rock,” as it has become affectionately known due to its Rockingham, North Carolina location, has been part of the fabric of NASCAR since the sport’s Golden Era in the 1960s. The venue has since been renamed the Rockingham Speedway and Entertainment Complex after undergoing $15 million in renovations in 2019.
There have been two prior attempts to revive Rockingham Speedway in 2012 and 2013. However, both failed because the track was considered too far in disrepair. As the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series become the first in 21 years to set foot at the track, they’re eager to do it proud. There is an undeniable feeling of nostalgia the second you enter the gates at the speedway, accompanied by the rich history etched into the walls and onto the asphalt. After all, “The Rock” is where greats like “The King” Richard Petty notched a record-breaking 11 wins, the most ever recorded in the track’s history.
However, NASCAR is ready to put a new chapter in their history books with modernized Next Gen cars and trucks coursing around the field. Does this lay the groundwork for a potential Cup Series Race to be held there in the near future? Fans sure hope so, but perhaps NASCAR is waiting to see how the Black’s Tire 200 and North Carolina Education Lottery 250 pan out first. Here’s an idea of what to expect from both races this weekend, including a brief recap from Bristol.
To recap, Kyle Larson was just a day into losing his dear friend and PR Rep, Jon Edwards. Still, he started from the pole while qualifying for the (Xfinity Series) SciAps 300 at Bristol. Regarding race day, Larson would be challenged by JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier. Allgaier was a clear threat, having already achieved two wins in March at this season’s LiUNA! at Las Vegas and the Hard Rock Bet 300 at Homestead-Miami, he was no match for Larson. He pushed past Larson, leading 9 laps until the lap 97 restart. However, it wouldn’t be long before Allgaier passed him again.
At this point, Larson answered by regaining the lead on lap 182 despite accidents and took it all the way. Despite being pressed by Carson Kvapil into turn 1 on the final lap. The Hendrick Motorsports driver led an astounding 276 of 300 that day and captured the SciAps win by 2.054 seconds. Larson competed in the Craftsman Truck Series but finished P2 behind Front Row Motorsports’ Chandler Smith. Smith captured his first win of 2025 behind the wheel of his No. 38 Ford-150 in 0.934 seconds over Kyle Larson. Larson, who pulled a triple-header at the short track, hoped to edge Smith for the win, leading until a lap 244 restart. Can Smith do it again this week?
The Craftsman Truck and Xfinity Series are preparing to head to Rockingham Speedway for the first time since 2004. It’s a historic moment for not only the NASCAR Community and its drivers but also for fans. The race is sure to be exciting, not only because of the nostalgic memories it holds, but also for the new memories that will be made. Are you ready to watch history unfold live? Make sure to tune in because you won’t want to miss this.
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