ROCKINGHAM — Haulers started rolling in Thursday ahead of NASCAR testing Friday at Rockingham Speedway — kicking off the start of the 2026 season of motorsports action in Richmond County.
Drivers from the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series will be rounding the track from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to test out their vehicles two months before the triple-header race weekend.
While no list of participants has been released, photos posted by Visit Richmond County show haulers representing several drivers including: Daniel Suárez and Carson Hocevar from Spire Motorsports; Jesse Love from Richard Childress Racing; Matt Mills and Andrés Pérez de Lara from Niece Racing; and Corey Day with Hendrick Motorsports.
Love initially took the checkered flag in the 2025 N.C. Education Lottery 250. However, he was disqualified following a post-race inspection and the win went to Sammy Smith. Love’s appeal was subsequently denied.
Last year’s test saw 26 drivers in the Craftsman Truck Series and three in the then-Xfinity Series break 160 mph, with Ty Majeski securing the fastest lap around the Rock at 166.567 mph in 21.983 seconds in a truck.
This is the third time this year’s test has been scheduled. It was originally scheduled for Jan. 27-28, but was postponed to Feb. 3-4 following a winter storm that brought sleet and freezing rain to the region. Another storm this past weekend left the track covered in 6 inches of snow, leading to the event being pushed back again and consolidated to one day.
Craftsman Truck Series drivers will take to the track first, alternating every hour with those in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Organizers say each division is scheduled for four hours of on-track time.
The event is free and open to the public, with seating in the Turn 4 grandstands. Spectators should enter at Gate B and signs will direct them where to park.
There will also be three local food trucks on site — Burger Bros, The Taco Factory and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee.
The race weekend will kick off April 2 with the return of ThunderFest to downtown Rockingham from 4-9 p.m.
The Black’s Tire 200 Craftsman Truck Series race is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, April 3. The next day, Saturday, April 4, will feature the N.C. Education Lottery 250 for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at 4 p.m., preceded by a 125-lap race in the ARCA Menards Series East at 1 p.m.
The races are again being promoted by Track Enterprises.
For more information and tickets, visit racetherock.com.
This weekend was supposed to feature two other motorsports events, but both have been postponed due to weather.
RO file photo
Rockingham Dragway had been scheduled to kick off its jam-packed season with Ross Drag Warzz. However, track officials announced Wednesday evening that it was being postponed due to cold temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service, the forecast highs for Saturday and Sunday are 39 degrees and 41 degrees, respectively.
No make-up date has been announced.
The dragway recently completed a starting line repave, part of the many renovations planned throughout the year ahead of the NHRA Nationals at the Rock in September.
On Thursday, the dragway posted about more coming improvements to the facility: “We are working to convert 35 acres of our property into expanded parking and pit space to help support national level events and future growth. This won’t be easy — but it’s an investment we believe in and one that helps secure the future of Rockingham Dragway.”
Tickets for the NHRA race are now on sale. Discounts are available for military personnel, veterans, first responders and government employees. See the Dragway’s Facebook page for more information.
The next major race at the dragway is the Junior Dragster Icebreaker Feb. 28-March 1.
RO file photo
Windy Hill MX in Ellerbe was also scheduled to host the season opener for the N.C. Motocross Association. But that event was also postponed.
“With the low temps the ground will still be frozen and unsafe to race,” reads a post made Jan. 27. NCMX and Windy Hill are reportedly working to reschedule the event.
