ROCKINGHAM — The driver behind the wheel of Richmond County’s largest tourism engine has been granted the state’s highest honor.
Steve Earwood, former owner of Rockingham Dragway, was presented with the Order of Long Leaf Pine Tuesday during a meeting of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority Board.
Earwood purchased the Dragway from the DeWitt family in 1992 and recently sold it, handing the wheel to Al Gennarelli and Dan Van Horn.
Gene McLaurin — former Rockingham mayor and state senator and currently chairman of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina — made the presentation on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper.
The award, McLaurin said, is given by the governor, for “exemplary service to the state of North Carolina.
“It’s given to someone who truly has made a huge commitment to our state,” McLaurin said, calling Earwood up to the podium inside Rockingham City Hall.
McLaurin then read aloud excerpts from several recommendation letters:
“His dedication to his craft is unprecedented. Even through tough economic times, Steve found ways to flourish his business. He was always committed to the community around him and promoted Richmond County and the state of North Carolina as the place to be. His best quality, by far, is that he is one of the toughest businessmen in the business, yet as compassionate and as giving as they come to those in need.” – Kristi King, president of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce
“For those of us who have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Steve Earwood, we’ve always admired his level of dedication to the great state of North Carolina and his commitment to expanding the tourism industry here in Richmond County. His career is one of impact, for not only the sport of drag racing, but the motorsports industry. The dragway has consistently been the county’s leading tourism driver for years. Steve has been a great partner and asset to our community as well. He gives back each year, whether it’s a sponsorship of local events or allowing the Chamber and other nonprofits to utilize his property. When major festivals or events express interest in Richmond County, Steve is often speaking with promoters and assisting in every way possible.” – Martie Butler, economic developer
“As the executive director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, I’ve worked closely with Steve. I can say for certain Rockingham Dragway is, without a doubt, the hottest ticket in town and the sole reason why people from all over the world know where Richmond County, North Carolina, is on the map. The continuous success of the drag strip is a reflection of Steve’s steadfast dedication, unmatched work ethic and lifelong passion for the sport.” – Meghann Lambeth, county tourism director
Steve Morris, chairman of the Tourism Board, thanked Earwood for promoting Richmond County during his 31 years as owner of the dragway.
“We’ve not always agreed on amounts of money … but we’ve always worked out something that worked for everybody,” Morris said.
Morris then presented Earwood with a quilted vest bearing the county tourism logo and a pack of chocolate-dipped strawberries from The Berry Patch.
Earwood humbly accepted the award and gifts, joking that when he moved to the state in the early ‘90s and first heard about the Long Leaf Pine, he thought it was a flavor of moonshine.
“Then over the years, I saw some folks that are far more worthy than I receiving this thing,” Earwood said. “It’s really quite an honor.
“These awards are nice, but I’m so undeserving,” Earwood continued. “If it wasn’t Richmond County, I couldn’t have accomplished what I’ve accomplished because of the cooperation I’ve gotten here.
“I watched the demise of the textile industry, the tobacco industry, the demise of the speedway across the street, but this county has survived, thrived because of folks like Gene and Monty (Crump) and county managers and county commissioners … It’s just been a great community to do what I do.”
Prior to purchasing the drag strip, Earwood was national media relations director for the National Hot Rod Association.
Earwood has been awarded multiple accolades, including being inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2016 and the N.C. Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2022; being named 2015 Promoter of the Year by the Professional Drag Racing Association; and being recognized on the floor of the N.C. Senate in 2019.
