Rockingham Sold To The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)

Since acquiring the International Hot Rod Association itself in late 2024, owner Darryl H. Cuttell has pursued an ambitious growth strategy, snapping up multiple historic motorsports facilities across the United States (more about Rockingham Speedway below) to bolster IHRA’s presence in drag racing and beyond.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

This buying spree has focused primarily on drag strips but has also extended to multi-discipline venues, aligning with IHRA’s diversification into stock car racing, powerboating, and entertainment-focused events.

Key recent acquisitions include:

– Memphis International Raceway (Millington, Tennessee): Revived as a major drag racing hub and oval with plans for national events.
– Heartland Motorsports Park (Topeka, Kansas): Announced just days before the Rockingham purchase on December 29, 2025, this versatile facility is slated for redevelopment into a year-round motorsports and entertainment destination, blending drag racing with concerts and community events.
– Piedmont Dragway (Julian, North Carolina): Purchased in August 2025, this grassroots favorite joined IHRA’s portfolio with promises of infrastructure upgrades and enhanced racer experiences.
– National Trail Raceway (Hebron, Ohio): Renamed Darana Raceway – Hebron, it became part of a wave of drag strip acquisitions.
– Milan Dragway (Milan, Michigan): Rebranded as Darana Dragway – Milan following its purchase, hosting events like the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series.

Earlier in 2025, IHRA announced agreements in principle for several other premier drag strips, though some (such as Maryland International Raceway, Darlington Dragway, and GALOT Motorsports Park) later clarified they remained independently owned. Additionally, IHRA expanded globally by fully acquiring IHRA Australia and New Zealand operations, and absorbed the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) in November 2025, instantly adding dozens of member tracks to its network.

The acquisition of Rockingham Speedway on December 31, 2025, stands out as IHRA’s boldest move into oval track racing, complementing the launch of its new Stock Car Series in 2026. This aggressive expansion reflects Cuttell’s vision to transform IHRA into a comprehensive motorsports powerhouse, preserving legacies while investing in modern amenities and cross-discipline programming.

IHRA Acquires Iconic Rockingham Speedway, Bolstering Revival and Future Racing Prospects

In a significant move for motorsports enthusiasts, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially purchased Rockingham Speedway, the legendary North Carolina oval affectionately known as “The Rock.” This acquisition, announced on December 31, 2025, marks the latest chapter in the track’s storied history and underscores IHRA’s aggressive expansion into preserving and revitalizing historic racing venues.

Rockingham Speedway, a 0.94-mile oval located in Rockingham, North Carolina, first opened its gates in 1965 and quickly became a staple of NASCAR racing. It hosted NASCAR Cup Series events until 2004, earning a reputation for its abrasive surface and challenging layout that tested drivers’ skills to the limit. After falling into disuse, the track saw brief revivals, including NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races in 2012 and 2013 under previous owner Andy Hillenburg. By 2018, it was acquired by Rockingham Properties LLC for $2.8 million, with subsequent upgrades funded in part by government assistance, including COVID-19 relief packages. These efforts culminated in a triumphant return to the NASCAR calendar in 2025, featuring successful races in the Xfinity Series (now the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series East over Easter weekend. The track also diversified its events, hosting drift competitions, concerts by artists like Struggle Jennings, the Tailgate N’ Tallboys Festival, and electronic dance music events.

The sale to IHRA comes after Rockingham Properties LLC listed the property in May 2025, following the positive reception of the NASCAR weekend. While the exact purchase price for this transaction remains undisclosed, the deal aligns with IHRA’s broader strategy under owner Darryl H. Cuttell, an Ohio-based entrepreneur whose company, Darana Hybrid, specializes in electrical and mechanical contracting for high-profile clients like xAI, Tesla, and SpaceX.

Cuttell emphasized IHRA’s role as caretakers of the venue’s legacy in a statement: “IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world. This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.” He further noted, “This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special. It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”

Local officials have welcomed the change in ownership. Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the track’s economic impact: “For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons. We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”

Looking ahead, IHRA plans to build on recent restorations, which included a full repave of the track surface. Upgrades will focus on facility enhancements, expanded fan amenities, and transforming the site into a multi-use destination with concerts and festival-style events alongside racing. The organization is already in discussions with industry partners like Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises for event operations starting in 2026.

A key highlight is the confirmed return of NASCAR events. The track is slated to host a triple-header weekend on April 3-4, 2026, featuring the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series—ensuring “The Rock” remains a fixture in stock car racing. Additionally, IHRA’s newly launched Stock Car Series for late-model cars will debut in 2026, with Rockingham positioned as a flagship venue in this initiative.

This purchase not only secures Rockingham’s future but also signals IHRA’s ambition to blend tradition with innovation in American motorsports. As fans eagerly await the 2026 season, “The Rock” appears poised for a new era of roaring engines and packed grandstands.

IHRA Press Release

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the purchase of Rockingham Speedway, one of the most iconic and storied venues in American motorsports.

The move reflects IHRA’s commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties. Known worldwide as The Rock, Rockingham Speedway has played a pivotal role in NASCAR and American racing history for decades and remains deeply tied to the identity and pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.

“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”

IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.

The Easter weekend NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event will build on the momentum generated in 2025, when the series’ return to Rockingham delivered strong attendance, national television exposure, and renewed excitement around the historic track. The April weekend is expected to feature a full slate of on-track activity, including the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series West, and fan-focused programming throughout the holiday weekend. More information and advance sale tickets for that weekend can be found at www.racetherock.com and www.trackenterprises.com.

As IHRA looks ahead, the organization anticipates collaborating with experienced event partners as part of its long-term planning for the facility. IHRA leadership noted that conversations are underway with respected industry operators, including Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises, as Rockingham Speedway is positioned for future events and opportunities beginning in 2026.

“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” said Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”

IHRA leadership emphasized that Rockingham Speedway will play a meaningful role in the organization’s broader strategy of revitalizing historic motorsports venues while creating sustainable, fan-focused experiences.

“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special,” Cuttell added. “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”

Additional announcements regarding the Easter weekend event, facility enhancements, and future schedules will be released in the coming months.