Rockingham Speedway Sold To The International Hot Rod Association

Rockingham Speedway
Credit: American Cars And Racing

The return of Rockingham Speedway is about to shift into top gear.

The International Hod Rod Association (IHRA) announced today that it has purchased the revived oval track, which returned to the NASCAR calendar in 2025 with Xfinity Series and Truck Series races.

The North Carolina track had fallen into disrepair, but was purchased by a real estate developer in 2018 and refurbished with help from the state and local government. The track was put up for sale in May after what was widely considered to be a very successful NASCAR weekend.

“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell said in a news release.

“This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE GAS: AN AMERICAN CARS AND RACING PODCAST ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM

The IHRA has primarily been a drag racing body, but is launching the IHRA Stock Car Series for late model race cars in 2026. It plans further updates to the track that will include facilities for concerts and festival-style events.

“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special,” Cuttell added. “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”

The Truck Series and renamed O’Reilly Auto Parts Series are scheduled to return to the track on April 3 and 4 in 2026.