Rockingham Speedway

Track Info

Location	Rockingham, North Carolina
Type	D-Shaped Oval
Length	1.017 miles (1.637 km)
Banking	22 degrees in turns 1-2, 25 degrees in turns 3-4, 8 degrees on straights
Surface	Asphalt
Capacity	~36,000
Opened	1965

Track Characteristics

Rockingham Speedway is one of NASCAR's most storied venues, and its return to the Cup Series schedule in 2026 is a celebration of the sport's heritage. Known as "The Rock," this 1.017-mile D-shaped oval was a fixture on the Cup schedule from 1965 through 2004 before losing its date. The track's asymmetric design - with different banking in Turns 1-2 (22 degrees) than Turns 3-4 (25 degrees) - creates unique racing challenges that reward driver skill and car setup expertise.

The Rock was always known as a "tire track" where the abrasive surface chewed through tires faster than almost any other venue. This made pit strategy critical, as teams had to balance between fresh tires and track position. The worn, gritty surface rewarded patient drivers who could save their tires while maintaining competitive speed over long runs.

The track's return to the schedule is a nod to NASCAR fans who have long called for more classic tracks and fewer cookie-cutter intermediates. Rockingham's rough surface, asymmetric banking, and old-school atmosphere represent everything that traditional NASCAR fans love about the sport's roots.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) - approximately 85 miles north. Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) is about 75 miles northeast. Charlotte Douglas (CLT) is about 100 miles west.
Nearest City	Rockingham, NC. A small city in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, near Pinehurst and Southern Pines.

Series That Race Here

• NASCAR Cup Series - Returns in 2026
• Historic: ARCA, Truck Series, various touring series have raced here during the track's hiatus from Cup

2026 NASCAR Event Info

Cup Race	Race at The Rock (name TBD)
Date	TBD 2026
TV	TBD
Note	Rockingham returns to the Cup schedule after a 22-year absence from the series

Track Records

Qualifying Record	Ryan Newman - 156.308 mph (2003)
Race Record	Jeff Gordon - 131.103 mph (1998)

Notable Past Races

• 2004: Matt Kenseth won the final Cup race at Rockingham before the track lost its date, delivering a fitting sendoff to one of NASCAR's most beloved venues.
• 1998: Jeff Gordon won at The Rock during his dominant 13-win season, showcasing his versatility on a track that rewarded patience and tire management.
• 1992: Kyle Petty won a memorable race at Rockingham in his iconic Mello Yello colors, one of the highlights of his career.
• 1965: Curtis Turner won the inaugural race at North Carolina Motor Speedway (Rockingham's original name), christening the track that would become one of NASCAR's most respected venues.

Track Facts

• Rockingham was originally called North Carolina Motor Speedway when it opened in 1965 before being renamed to Rockingham Speedway.
• The Rock's last Cup race was in February 2004 before it lost its date to Texas Motor Speedway, sparking years of fan campaigns to bring it back.
• The asymmetric banking - different degrees in each set of turns - is shared with very few other tracks and creates a distinctive driving challenge.
• Rockingham is located in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, near the famous golf resort town of Pinehurst.
• The track's return to the 2026 schedule represents NASCAR's renewed commitment to its traditional, heritage venues.

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