ROCKINGHAM — While there won’t be any Mustangs racing around Rockingham Speedway this weekend, there will be a few broncos.
Fast cars are being replaced by bulls and horses with Double Creek Pro Rodeo scheduled for two shows — one Friday, one Saturday — at the track.
More than 85 cowboys — and cowgirls — will ride and rope their way through several competitive events for the inaugural Rodeo at the Rock, according to Justin Jones, vice president of operations for Rockingham Speedway.
“It has everything a rodeo can offer,” Jones said, including saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding, barrel racing and various roping events.
Jones said many of the competitors are excited to be at the legendary track.
The arena, about the size of a basketball court, is set up in front of the grandstands between the track and pit road.
There is also a mechanical bull for spectators to test their riding skills.
Jones said despite the looming clouds, it looks like the speedway will “dodge the bullet,” and the shows will go on rain or shine. However, activity will have to pause if there is lightning nearby.
General admission tickets are $20 and being sold at the gate. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. both days, with the shows starting at 7:30 p.m. Kids 5 years old or younger get in free. Parking is also free for the rodeo.
Jones said he and rodeo organizers have already confirmed a date for next year’s event.
The rodeo is one of several non-motorsports-related events slated for the speedway this year. However, the tracks will see action again next weekend with MB Drift clutch-kicking-off its first competition of the 2022 season on the infield road course and Motorsport 4the Masses returning to the Little Rock and introducing the Hot Pursuit Chase Challenge.