In April 2025, NASCAR is set to make a historic return to the Rockingham Speedway, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history. The NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series will compete on this storied North Carolina track during the weekend of April 18-19. This return comes as the Cup Series takes its only off-weekend of the season.
The Trucks will race on Friday, while the Xfinity Series will take center stage on Saturday. NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy emphasized the rich history of Rockingham Speedway and the excitement of showcasing future stars at such a legendary venue.
Rockingham Speedway’s Historic Revival Fueled by Infrastructure Upgrades and Government Support
Rockingham Speedway, which has hosted NASCAR races since 1965, has a deep connection to the sport’s history. It held both Cup and Xfinity races until 2004, but declining attendance and NASCAR’s shift towards more modern tracks led to its abandonment. The speedway, located in a rural area with fewer than 10,000 residents, faced challenges in competing with nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The track had a brief revival in the early 2010s, but the Truck Series race was short-lived due to financial struggles. Despite these setbacks, there has been a renewed push for the track’s revival after the success of the North Wilkesboro revival in 2023.
NASCAR Roars Back to Rockingham as Revamped Speedway Hosts Xfinity and Truck Series in 2025The revival of Rockingham Speedway in 2025 was made possible by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which aimed to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper allocated millions of dollars to improve infrastructure at race tracks in the state, including $10 million specifically for Rockingham.
This funding led to extensive upgrades, such as a repaved track, new garages, and a modernized media center, allowing the historic venue to return to its former glory.
Rockingham Speedway Revitalized for NASCAR’s Return with Kahne, Legge, and 75 Drivers
Dan Lovenheim, the owner of Rockingham Speedway, expressed his excitement about the track’s revival. He highlighted the significant investments made in updating the facility, making it a proud destination for race fans. Lovenheim praised the efforts of the North Carolina government and NASCAR for helping bring the track back to life. With the infrastructure improvements in place, Rockingham is now ready to host the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series over the Easter weekend, marking the return of top-tier racing to the venue after nearly two decades.
This weekend’s event at Rockingham will also feature notable entries, including former race winner Kasey Kahne, who returns to NASCAR after nearly seven years. Kahne, driving for Richard Childress Racing, will compete in the Xfinity race alongside four-time Indy 500 starter Katherine Legge. A total of 75 drivers have entered the weekend’s races, with 35 in the Truck Series and 40 vying for 38 spots in the Xfinity Series field. The highly anticipated event marks a thrilling moment in NASCAR’s history, as Rockingham Speedway once again hosts top-tier racing.
