ROCKINGHAM — The two main title sponsors of last year’s NASCAR return to the Rock have signed on for another year.
Race promoter Track Enterprises announced Jan. 8 at that Black’s Tire and the N.C. Education Lottery have renewed their partnerships as entitlement sponsors for the 2026 race weekend.
The Black’s Tire 200 will kick off the three-race event on Friday, April 3 with drivers in the Craftsman Truck Series going head-to-head around the historic oval.
Black’s Tire, based in North Carolina, has more than 70 locations in four states across the Southeast.
“We are excited to once again be teaming up with Rockingham Speedway,” Rick Benton II, president Black’s Tire, said in a press release. “Last year was a tremendous event and our customers and Black’s Tire Family are already talking about the upcoming events, April 3-4. The Black’s Tire team are proud partners and looking forward to building on our momentum from last year. It’s been an honor to be part of bringing back NASCAR racing to Rockingham.”
Ahead of last year’s race, the Black’s Tire 200 logo was painted by local artist Daniel Webb as a mural at the Rockingham location.
Tyler Ankrum won the 2025 race — the third time the series ran at Rockingham and the first since 2013.
The North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire will feature racing action in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, formerly the Xfinity series.
“We’re excited to take another lap in racing history at The Rock, returning to sponsor the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race in April,” said Mark Michalko, chief executive officer of the North Carolina Education Lottery.
"Sharing in the excitement of North Carolina race fans helps to drive our mission to raise money for education programs in our state, now at more than $1 billion for a third year in a row,” Michalko added. “Richmond County, the home of Rockingham Speedway, recently took home a win when it was awarded a $42 million lottery-funded grant to build a new elementary school. Congratulations!”
The N.C. Education Lottery previously sponsored the 2013 truck race.
Jesse Love initially won last year's Education Lottery 250. However, Sammy Smith was later declared winner after Love was disqualified. The decision was upheld following a failed appeal.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the North Carolina Education Lottery and Black’s Tire back to Rockingham Speedway,” said Bob Sargent, president of Track Enterprises.
“When NASCAR returned to Richmond County in 2025, both the North Carolina Education Lottery and Black’s Tire jumped in head-first and played key roles in making our vision for this historic facility a reality,” Sargent added. “We literally couldn’t have done it without them which is what makes us so proud that both organizations have agreed to return in 2026. To have entitlement partners who are so deeply rooted across the state and firmly entrenched in the Rockingham area is an honor for our entire team.”
In addition to the two NASCAR races, there will again be one in the ARCA Menards Series East. This will be the second race of the season for the series after a start at Hickory Motor Speedway.
Brent Crews, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, won the Rockingham ARCA 125, leading 121 laps after starting in the pole position — giving up four to runner-up William Sawalich.
The International Hot Rod Association recently acquired Rockingham Speedway from its previous owners. However, Track Enterprises remains the official NASCAR event promoter for the track.
The IHRA said the triple-race weekend is “expected to feature a full slate of on-track activity, supporting races, and fan-focused programming.”
ThunderFest returns to downtown Rockingham April 2 to jumpstart the race weekend. More details are expected soon.
