ROCKINGHAM — One date in April just opened up at Rockingham Dragway for the next few years.
ProMedia LLC, organizer of NMRA and NMCA events for more than two decades, announced Friday morning that it would cease motorsports productions after 2024.
The company cited several financial issues for the decision.
“Despite our best efforts, the company could not overcome significant challenges that include losing 4 of our 5 largest pre-Covid revenue-producing events, losing Auto Club Speedway for our NMCA WEST series, declining sponsor and advertising revenues, substantial inflationary price increases and, most recently, the devastating effect Hurricane Helene had on the NMRA World Finals, our company’s largest net profit event,“ reads a press release issued Friday morning.
“ProMedia and our entire team sincerely thank our racers and fans for many years of dedicated support and passion for muscle car performance,” the release continues. “We appreciate our sponsors for their longterm friendship and loyalty, most especially our series sponsors, Holley and Red Line Oil. Our track partners are the best in the business and we’re proud to call them our friends.
“Finally, we have been truly blessed having the most dedicated and talented employees and event staff in the business made up of true professionals and wonderful people.”
Rockingham Dragway co-owner Dan VanHorn called it a “sad day.”
The cessation announcement comes less than two months after a five-year deal was signed to hold the NMRA/NMCA All Star Nationals at the Rock until 2029.
Click here to read about the deal.
VanHorn said he was “speechless.”
“They are an enormous operation with worldwide impact on drag racing,” VanHorn said. “This will leave a substantial gap in points championship racing. They were second only to the NHRA in that aspect.”
VanHorn said he and co-owner Al Generalli are working to replace the race with a similar style event.
The double-header event debuted at the Rock in 2022.
Click here to see photos from 2023.
Click here to see photos from 2024.
(See the RO’s Facebook page for photos from 2022.)
“Rockingham Dragway is on steady ground, but this is an example of how fragile this industry is and how quickly things can change,” VanHorn added. “We wish them well, the NMCA and NMRA and their staff are family.”
In the press release, ProMedia thanked all the drivers who have participated and encouraged race fans to continue to support the tracks, like Rockingham Dragway, and other events.
This is the second major loss to the Dragway this year.
Rugged Maniac, a traveling 5k obstacle course, abruptly announced in late February that it was shutting down.
Click here to read about Rugged Maniac.
VanHorn was caught off guard with that cancelation and did not know until contacted by the RO for comment.