Track News: The Fight for Rockingham Speedway’s NASCAR Future

The summer sun hung low over Rockingham, North Carolina, casting long shadows across the weathered grandstands of Rockingham Speedway. Known as “The Rock,” the 1.017-mile oval had seen better days—days when NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty roared to victory before packed crowds.

But on this warm summer day in 2025, the track was quiet, save for the distant hum of a lawnmower and the murmur of a small group gathered in the infield. Dan Lovenheim, the track’s owner since 2018, stood with his hands in his pockets, staring at the freshly repaved asphalt.

Beside him was Bob Sargent, president of Track Enterprises, a motorsports promoter with a conditional interest in buying the speedway. They were discussing a future that felt as uncertain as the shifting sands of Richmond County.

Rockingham Speedway had made a triumphant return to NASCAR in April 2025, hosting sold-out Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series races during Easter weekend. The event was a nostalgic high, with 32,000 fans filling the stands and drivers like Tyler Ankrum and Sammy Smith celebrating hard-fought wins.

NASCAR’s new president, Steve O’Donnell, called the turnout “unbelievable,” hinting at the possibility of Cup Series drivers returning or even a full Cup Series race in the future. The track had received $9 million from North Carolina’s share of the 2021 American Rescue Plan, which funded critical upgrades like a repave, SAFER barriers, a new media center, and rebuilt infield garages.

An additional $3 million from Lovenheim’s own pocket brought the total investment to $12 million, transforming “The Rock” into a modernized venue ready for racing’s return after a 12-year absence from major NASCAR series.

Yet, beneath the surface, financial storm clouds loomed. By August 2025, Lovenheim faced over $600,000 in unpaid bills from HVAC, sewer, and rental companies, with $375,000 specifically needed to complete SAFER barrier installations—a non-negotiable requirement for NASCAR’s safety standards.

He had requested $375,000 from Richmond County to settle part of this debt, sparking a heated debate among county commissioners. Jamie Gathings, a commissioner, stressed that any county expenditure must benefit local residents, while Jason Gainey argued the funds would be better spent on homeless shelters and street cleanup.

A special meeting was set for August 21, 2025, at the Richmond County Airport to decide whether to allocate the funds, with only 36 hours to make a decision. The outcome could determine whether NASCAR’s 2026 schedule, which included confirmed Xfinity and Truck Series races at Rockingham, would proceed as planned.

Lovenheim’s journey with Rockingham had been a labor of love. A Raleigh-based real estate developer who’d made his fortune revitalizing nightlife districts, he purchased the 250-acre property in 2018 for $2.8 million, seeing potential where others saw a relic. The track, opened in 1965, had hosted 78 Cup Series races until 2004, when NASCAR’s expansion into larger markets like Texas and New Hampshire left it behind.

Financial struggles plagued its history—shutting down in 2004, briefly reviving for Truck Series races in 2012 and 2013 under former driver Andy Hillenburg, then closing again in 2014 due to unpaid obligations. Lovenheim’s vision was to make Rockingham a year-round entertainment hub, hosting not just races but concerts, festivals, and community events. The 2019 Epicenter music festival was a misstep, marred by logistical issues, but the 2025 NASCAR weekend proved the track could still draw crowds.

Bob Sargent, whose Track Enterprises organized the 2025 races, saw potential but was cautious. “The Rock has history, no question,” he told Lovenheim, kicking a pebble across the asphalt.

“But without county support or a new owner to stabilize the finances, 2026 could be a one-and-done.” Sargent had expressed interest in buying the track, listed for sale in May 2025, but his offer hinged on local government backing to offset the debt and fund remaining upgrades. These included improvements to “Little Rock,” the half-mile short track, and enhancements to the infield road course and dragway, which could broaden the venue’s appeal for series like ARCA, CARS Tour, or Formula Drift. Without these, a Cup Series return—last seen in 2004 when Matt Kenseth edged Kasey Kahne by 0.01 seconds—remained a distant dream.

The community was divided. At Thunder Fest in downtown Rockingham before the 2025 races, fans like Donnie Cobbler from Ellerbe spoke of the track’s cultural significance. “This is our heritage,” he said, sipping a beer as former drivers Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader signed autographs nearby. “NASCAR at The Rock brings us together.”

But on X, some fans worried about the track’s future. One user, @CoachWilliamsRC, posted on August 14, 2025, noting the lack of a new owner by the expected July 1 deadline and fearing no more races. Another, @lmm2996, urged fans to sell out the 2026 events to prove demand for a Cup Series return, acknowledging that further upgrades were needed to meet NASCAR’s top-tier standards.

As the county meeting loomed, Lovenheim walked the frontstretch, picturing a packed house for a future Cup race. He’d poured millions into The Rock, but the $600,000 debt and the county’s decision weighed heavily. If the commissioners approved the $375,000, it could secure SAFER barriers and keep NASCAR’s commitment for 2026. If not, the track risked falling back into dormancy, joining the fate of other historic venues like North Wilkesboro before its own revival. Sargent’s potential purchase offered hope, but only if financial stability could be assured.

Back in the infield, Lovenheim turned to Sargent. “We’ve got a shot to make this place sing again,” he said. “But it’s going to take more than nostalgia.” Sargent nodded, eyeing the grandstands.

“Get the county on board, clear the debt, and finish the upgrades. Then we’ll talk about Cup cars and big crowds.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, The Rock stood at a crossroads—its NASCAR future hinging on a delicate balance of community support, financial relief, and a shared vision to reclaim its legendary status.