Why Rockingham Belongs On The NASCAR Schedule

The History of Rockingham Speedway in NASCAR
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — You might pass by Rockingham Speedway on U.S. Highway 1 and wonder why there’s such a strong push to bring the historic track back to the top levels of NASCAR competition. The answer lies in a history that dates back to one of the sport’s most uncertain eras.

When Rockingham hosted its first race in 1965, the sport was in transition. The No. 1 song in America was “Yesterday” by The Beatles, but while music was thriving, NASCAR was facing internal challenges. Following the 1964 season, NASCAR banned the powerful 426 Hemi engine, prompting Chrysler to boycott the series. Several top drivers, including David Pearson, Paul Goldsmith, and Richard Petty, were forced into limited schedules.

The result was a lopsided 1965 season, with Ford winning 48 of 55 races. Attendance declined, and the sport needed a spark. That spark came at Rockingham.

In an effort to revive fan interest, Bill France Sr. reinstated Curtis Turner, one of the sport’s most popular and controversial figures. Turner, who had been banned for his role in a unionization effort, returned as something of an outlaw hero. On October 31, 1965, he won Rockingham’s inaugural race — his final NASCAR victory — helping reignite fan interest at a critical moment.

Over time, Rockingham developed a reputation unlike any other track. The one-mile, high-banked, D-shaped oval became known for its abrasive surface and tire wear, earning the nickname “The Rock.” It also became a key stop in the championship picture, often serving as a late-season race where titles were decided or celebrated by drivers like Dale Earnhardt and Matt Kenseth.

But as NASCAR expanded westward in the early 2000s, Rockingham lost its place on the schedule. By 2005, all three national series had departed, marking the end of an era.

In 2025 the return of NASCAR’s lower series — including the Craftsman Truck Series — and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series would return on Easter weekend with raving success. Track put on great racing that was both new and old school in it’s own way. 2026 the two series are back but many are hopeful that one day the cup series will come back soon but time will tell.