The recent Rockingham revival might’ve been just the spark NASCAR needed. The iconic oval was a staple on the Cup Series schedule from 1966 to 2004, but after it was dropped, the track sat mostly forgotten.
That might be changing. Last weekend’s doubleheader could mark a new beginning for Rockingham. Saturday’s Xfinity race was packed with drama, excitement, and fans. It was exactly the kind of energy NASCAR’s been missing.
Rockingham Revival Racks Up Numbers for NASCAR
NASCAR last visited Rockingham, North Carolina, in 2013, when the Truck Series ran a few standalone races. Kasey Kahne won the first one in front of a fired-up crowd, and Kyle Larson followed the next year with his first national series win.
But after that, the place fell apart. Overflowing trash cans, broken bathrooms, and general neglect led NASCAR to walk away. The track, which once hosted 78 Cup Series races, became a ghost of its former self.
Then came Track Enterprises. The Illinois-based company, known for bringing life back to the Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Fairgrounds, stepped in. Under CEO Bob Sargent’s leadership, Rockingham got a full makeover. From fresh signs on suite doors to newly painted walls, $1 million worth of SAFER barriers, and even manicured infield grass—Sargent’s team gave the track the facelift it needed.
The payoff? A huge success. Saturday’s Xfinity Series race delivered on every front. As NASCAR’s stats page shows, the action was nonstop. Eight drivers led laps during the race—four of them setting personal records for most laps led in a single race.
Leading the charge was 37-year-old Ryan Sieg, who topped 77 laps and smashed his previous best of 27 laps led at Homestead in 2020. Nick Sanchez followed with 52 laps out front. Rising ARCA star Carson Kvapil led 47, and Dean Thompson had 11 up front as well.
In short, the 250-lap battle had it all—lead changes, drama, and passion. And more importantly, it reminded fans just how special Rockingham can be.
Here’s hoping NASCAR makes this stop a regular one again.