Rockingham Speedway Enters a New Era as IHRA Takes Control, Shaking Up NASCAR Return Hopes
Rockingham Speedway, affectionately called “The Rock,” is once again at the center of motorsports conversation—but not for a comeback race. The historic North Carolina oval has a new owner, and this time it’s the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). The move instantly reshapes expectations for a track many fans hoped would one day reclaim its place on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
Once a regular stop on the NASCAR schedule, Rockingham spent years off the national radar before a major revival. Renovation efforts helped bring racing back in 2021, and by 2025 the venue welcomed national touring series again, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Those events fueled optimism that a Cup Series return might eventually follow. IHRA’s purchase, however, signals a different direction.
For IHRA, the acquisition is a landmark step. While the organization already owns multiple drag racing facilities across the United States, Rockingham marks its first venture into owning a traditional oval track. The move fits into a broader strategy to expand its influence and diversify the types of racing venues under its control, potentially positioning IHRA as a stronger player in motorsports spaces long dominated by NASCAR.
Fan reaction has been mixed but largely intrigued. Many welcome the promise of investment and preservation at a track with deep roots, while others see the deal through the lens of growing frustration with modern NASCAR—concerns that range from the cost of entry to governance disputes such as the ongoing 23XI Racing legal battle. To those fans, IHRA’s presence represents competition and choice rather than loss.
What comes next remains uncertain. Questions linger about the types of events IHRA may prioritize, how active oval racing will be, and whether new series could find a home at The Rock. What is clear is that Rockingham has turned another page—one that adds fresh intrigue to its long, complicated history and to the evolving power dynamics of American motorsports.
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