ROCKINGHAM – “Soon.”
That was Dan Lovenheim’s answer to the question of when high-level racing will be returning to the iconic Rockingham Speedway.
“We are diligently underway in doing that in a number of areas,” Lovenheim told the crowd during the track’s third annual Open House on July 13.
While there was no official announcement, the speedway’s majority owner said, “We hope to have very good and positive news for you soon. Please be patient with us … we see very good times ahead.”
There were hopes that the Rock would host the All-Star Race in 2025, but NASCAR announced in May that the event would return to North Wilkesboro Speedway — another recently revived track — for the third consecutive year.
ROCK’S RACING SERIES
In the meantime, Lovenheim announced the August start of the track’s own Crown 9 Series.
“Everybody wants the big race,” said Track Manager Dustin Russell. “We do, too, but not everybody in this room has a pocket big enough to actually participate in that … we wanted something way smaller, more grassroots that everybody can do.”
For this series, drivers will be behind the wheel of either a Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis or Lincoln Town Car manufactured from 1992-2011.
“Put a $300 roll cage in it and come out here and have fun,” Russell said. “That’s what it’s all about. We’re not making a class that money can buy the car. Basically, everybody’s going to have an equal car … it’s going to come down to the driver.”
Driver’s will be able to pay for their car by winning one race, Russell said.
Crown 9 races will also feature live music at each event.
“The only thing we’re asking is everyone show up and support it,” added Matt Russell. “The only thing we need is the community to get behind the track.”
See full rules and race dates at the speedway’s website.
REVIVING THE ROCK
There have been gradual improvements made to the Rock, which was in rough shape when Lovenheim and company purchased it in August of 2018.
“Weeds were growing out of the track surfaces, weeds were growing out of every single piece of pavement,” Lovenheim said. “The place was overgrown and the water damage from the rain coming off the grandstands nearly rendered this place unusable.
“Luckily we got in and started doing renovations very quickly.”
Thanks to funding from the state, the speedway was able to repave the main oval and the infield road course was repaved earlier this year.
Lovenheim called the Papa Joe Hendrick Garage “the coolest pit garage in America,” with a lighting system that can turn the space into a dance floor with the flick of a switch.
“We’re in the process of creating a new hybridized form of entertainment,” Lovenheim said. “Gone are the days of sitting in grandstands like packed sardines. People these days want to go and experience the fun and the amenities, whether it’s experiencing the races from various viewpoints; having some food, maybe a beverage; or even letting their kids play in the bouncy house.”
Lovenheim added that the track will have “an amazing Christmas lights show that will blow your mind” later this year.
By next year, the speedway’s three components — the main oval, the infield road course and Little Rock — will each have their own seating capabilities and amenities, according to Lovenheim.
“This is the future, and we’re happy to help bring it to you.”
‘A TEAM EFFORT’
Also during the opening ceremony, several awards were given out to those who have helped get the track back in shape, including: state Rep. Ben Moss; state Sen. Dave Craven; County Manager Bryan Land and Economic Developer Martie Butler; and Rockingham City Manager Monty Crump.
“This track is in the DNA of Richmond County,” said Butler. “You can’t buy memories, you can’t buy history, and that’s something we’re very proud of.”
Butler said it was a team effort and credited Lovenheim for taking a risk “when the rebirth of old tracks wasn’t even a thought.”
That investment was also recognized by Moss and Crump.
Moss recalled working at the track during his youth and how seeing it in ill-repair made him “a little depressed.”
“Now when I ride by, I just smile and say, “You know, I’m glad somebody took an interest in that track,” and I believe it has a lot to offer our state,” Moss said.
The speedway also recognized several groups that have brought action to the track in the past several years: MB Drift; Stock Car Classics; and the Tarheel Sports Car Club.
MB Drift held its first event at the Rock in December 2020 after Myrtle Beach Speedway was shut down, and made the track its new official home starting with the 2021 season.
“We’re so thankful and appreciative for the facility and being able to be one of the first motorsports back here and being able to help build this facility back up,” said MB Drift founder Marshall Eggerling.
MB Drift at the Tarheel Sports Car Club each gave demonstrations on the road course and SCC held an exhibition race with cars (and trucks) spanning several decades.
(See more photos from the Open House on the RO’s Facebook page.)
