NASCAR Drivers Celebrate Rockingham Return, Push for Future Races

The recent return of NASCAR to Rockingham Speedway has reignited the passion of racing fans. It has also sparked hopes for future events at this historic venue.

The doubleheader featuring the NASCAR Xfinity and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series was a resounding success. Fans and drivers are already yearning for more.

With such an enthusiastic reception and exciting races, there is growing speculation that the NASCAR Cup Series might soon join the lineup at Rockingham.

The Enthusiastic Return to Rockingham Speedway

Last weekend, Rockingham Speedway hosted a thrilling doubleheader. The event brought together the NASCAR Xfinity and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

The races featured intense action and enthusiastic fans. It was a nostalgic return to one of NASCAR’s historic tracks.

Drivers and fans were thrilled to see the rejuvenated “Rock” back in action. Many are hoping that the NASCAR Cup Series will soon follow suit.

Driver Reactions and Fan Excitement

Tyler Ankrum, who won the Black’s Tire 200 Truck Series race, expressed his excitement about racing at Rockingham. “It’s really, really cool,” Ankrum said, highlighting the fans’ energy and the unique racing experience at the track.

The grandstands were packed, and the hospitality suites were sold out. This showed the fans’ eagerness to witness the return of racing to Rockingham.

Kasey Kahne, a veteran driver, also praised the event. After nearly eight years away from NASCAR racing, Kahne made a triumphant return.

He suggested that a Cup race at Rockingham could be a viable option. “I think a Cup race could probably be really good here,” Kahne noted, emphasizing the potential for exciting racing on the 0.94-mile speedway.

The Racing Surface and Track Conditions

The racing surface at Rockingham Speedway, repaved in late 2022, played a crucial role in the event’s success. The new pavement quickly took rubber during practice and races, creating a second groove for compelling racing.

Drivers found creative lines around the track. Many ran higher in the corners to gain momentum and dropped down to make passes on the inside.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the event’s success, there are challenges to address for Rockingham to host a Cup race. The track’s infrastructure would require improvements, similar to the upgrades made at other venues.

While the pavement is relatively new, it is already showing signs of aging. This could make the racing even more exciting as the asphalt continues to wear.

The Future of Rockingham Speedway

The return to Rockingham shows there is strong interest among fans for traditional NASCAR venues. The success of other historic tracks like Bowman Gray and North Wilkesboro supports this trend.

Fans are eager to see the Cup Series return to these historic tracks. Rockingham is no exception.

Looking Ahead

The immediate future of a Cup race at Rockingham remains uncertain. However, the recent doubleheader suggests that the track is a strong candidate for future investment.

The Truck/Xfinity national series doubleheader, along with an ARCA Menards Series East race, provided fans with great value and entertainment. Multiple entrances and ample parking make the speedway easy to access and enhance its appeal as a top racing venue.

Conclusion

The return of NASCAR to Rockingham Speedway has reignited the passion of racing fans. It has also highlighted the potential for future events at this historic track.

The enthusiastic reception from both drivers and fans underscores the unique appeal of Rockingham. The track offers compelling racing and nostalgic charm.

For more details on the event and driver reactions, check out the full article on Speedway Digest.