Motorsports

MOTORSPORTS: Mat Williamson clinches Modified title | Sports

Published

4 months ago

August 26, 2025

While a week remains in the season-long championship battles at the Land of Legends Raceway, Mat Williamson’s win Saturday night put the track’s Modified Championship discussion to rest.

Taking his seventh win in 13 starts, Williamson clinched his second straight Modified championship at Land of Legends Raceway. He claimed the $2,000 prize for winning the 35-lap Modified feature, with Justin Haers racing to second ahead of Zach Payne, Matt Sheppard and Peter Britten.

His season has been nearly statistically perfect, with 13 starts resulting in seven victories. He has not finished outside the top five this year. His total of 743 points is an insurmountable 96 markers better than anyone chasing.

Matt Sheppard has won three times in 13 starts, scoring eight top fives and 12 top 10s. He is second in the standings with 647 points. He is tied for second with Alex Payne (1 win, 10 top fives); Payne took sixth in Saturday’s feature. Sheppard and Payne sit a scant four points ahead of Justin Haers (10 top fives, 12 top 10s). Two-time winner Peter Britten is still in the runner-up conversation, ranking fifth and only 21 points out of second.

The rest of the point battles are still in play.

Richard Murtaugh won the Sportsman feature on Saturday, taking the 25-lap feature over Karl Comfort and Kevin Ridley. Tyler Corcoran was fourth ahead of Matt Guererri.

Corcoran’s fourth combined with Comfort’s runner-up effort have left Corcoran just three points ahead of Comfort in the standings. 605-602. Corcoran has won once in his 12 starts, and alongside Comfort (2 wins), the pair have both finished in the top 10 in each of their dozen features. Guererri is third, with 595 markers (2 wins, 9 top fives). Murtaugh is next, having collected 594 points with a division high three wins. All have a mathematical shot at the track championship this coming Saturday.

Cameron Moss won the 20-lap 305 Sprint feature, leading Bobby Parrow and John Smith to the line. Ethan Gray was fourth ahead of Spencer Burley. Five-time winner Bobby Parrow has a 128-point edge on the field. His 694 point total leads Lance Dusett (566 points); Gray is third with 547 and Smith sits fourth with 544. Dan Craun could gain a spot with some luck; he is fifth with 52 points and had logged a win this year.

Jimmy Grant recorded another Street Stock win, taking the 20-lap feature over division point leader CJ Guererri and Mike Welch. Willy Easling was next with Rick Crego ranking fifth at the line. Now, Grant has recorded a division high four wins in six starts. CJ Guererri (672 points) has 13 starts to his credit and three wins, leading the point chase by 16 over Rick Crego. Mike Welch (640) is third, 40-points ahead of Marc Minutolo (608). Welch leads the Empire Street Stock Series points, finishing in the top five for all five starts. He has 272 points and leads three-time series winner Josh Pangrazio by 44 heading into the post season specials part of the calendar.

Jared Hill secured the 15-lap Hobby Stock feature over Frank Burnell and Nate Peckham. Blane Smith was fourth and Tyler Burnell raced to fifth. Frank Burnell is leading the division points chase (666), with a division high four wins in 13 starts. He has 16 points in hand over Minutolo (650); consistency has helped Peckham to third, with 617 points.

Shaun Toland won the final New Legends Sportsman feature, leading Mitchell Hyde and Kyle Ridley at the line in their 12-lap finale.

Champions will be crowned on Championship Night, scheduled for this Saturday. Adult general admission is $15 and racing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

For more, visit www.LandofLegendsRaceway.com.

TOURING SERIES SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES

The Super DIRTcar Series SummerFAST championship was won by Mat Williamson, but the celebration was muted after Land of Legends Raceway and Fulton Speedway lost their dates due to rain. The races will not be made up.

In all, two races were contested of the planned four. Peter Britten parked his ride on Victory Hill, winning the opener at Weedsport Speedway. Debuting a new machine, Britten muscled past Matt Sheppard on lap 41 of the 75-lap distance, and was in command for the final 35 circuits en route to the win. It was his first win at Weedsport Speedway. Williamson was second ahead of Alex Yankowski, Alex Payne and Mike Mahaney.

At Brewerton Speedway, Tim Sears Jr. posted his first career Super DIRTcar Series win, scoring the victory on home turf. Sears secured the lead on lap 49 and stayed there for the final 25 laps to win the 75-lap main. Williamson was second ahead of Jimmy Phelps, Amy Holland and Anthony Perrego.

Williamson has an 88-point edge over Yankowski in the overall season standings, with 16 top 10s and two wins in 17 starts. Matt Sheppard is third, 129 points back and only 10 markers ahead of Alex Payne.

The tour will next visit Lebanon Valley Speedway for the Mr. DIRT Track USA event, scheduled for Thursday. Andy Bachetti won the last three contested Mr. DIRT Track USA events, taking the checkers in 2023, ‘22 and ‘21. Bachetti holds the record with six SDS wins at Lebanon Valley Speedway.

September will include the Hutchinson Memorial at Can-Am Speedway (Sept. 5); the race is slated for a 67 lap distance offering $7,567-to-win. Then, Weedsport will host their Cavalcade Cup on Sept. 6, the fourth SDS event at Weedsport this year. The 100-lap feature will pay $10,000 to win and offers a guaranteed starting spot for the Whittaker Cars 200 during Super DIRT Week. Albany-Saratoga Speedway will welcome the Super DIRTcar Series for the second time this year during their Massive Malta Weekend. The SDS will race a $10,000-to-win feature September 20, and it is the final SDS event offering a Whittaker Cars 200 guaranteed starting spot. The Massive Malta Weekend is the only chance to see all four DIRTcar Northeast Divisions in action in one weekend aside of Super DIRT Week, with the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series joining the Big Blocks on Saturday, Sept. 20, while the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series and DIRTcar Sportsman Series race on Sept. 19.

EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS

The Empire Super Sprints raced at Granby and then Drummond this weekend.

At Autodrome Granby, Alex Therrien became a first-time Empire Super Sprints winner. He won Friday’s 25-lap feature from second over Dylan Swiernik and Jordan Poirier. Jason Barney and Joe Trenca followed in the top five.

At Drummond on Saturday night, Swiernik won his fourth feature of the year, taking the 25-lap main from the pole. Alex Therrien was second, one spot shy of replicating his Friday night efforts. Jordan Poirier raced to third from 11th overall while Danny Varin and Davie Franek filled the top five.

Empire Super Sprints will end the month with races this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, racing at Brewerton, Fulton and then Utica-Rome Speedways. For more, visit www.empiresupersprints.com.

Area Results SATURDAY

Marshall Hurd won his first Modified feature at Fulton Speedway Saturday night, holding off Amy Holland and Matt Capara in the 35-lap feature. Hurd is the 10th different winner at Fulton this year. Tim Sears Jr. was fourth ahead of Jordan Bennett. Fulton will host their Championship Night festivities this Saturday; Billy Dunn leads the standings with 602 points, better than Sears Jr. by 66. The pair are the only two-time winners at the track this year in the modified division; Dunn has one more start than Sears. Dunn has posted nine top fives and 10 top 10s in his 12 starts; Sears has logged six top five and has not finished outside the top 10 in his 11 starts. Hurd also won the $500-to-win Bridesmaid Dash, a race contested for those who have not won this year; it was held prior to the feature.

Hunter Hollenbeck scored a win in the 25-lap Sportsman feature, topping Cody Manitta and Emmett Waldron. Waldron charged to third from 13th on the initial grid. Jason Parkhurst Jr. was next, followed by Clayton Brewer III. Waldron added to his point lead by finishing ahead of Parkhurst; Waldron has 602 points to his credit, 64 better than Parkhurst (538).

Brodie Marks won the 15-lap Novice Sportsman feature. John Pietrowicz won the 15-lap Hobby Stock main.

Owego was scheduled to be off in preparation for the International Classic 200. Oswego will host test sessions Aug. 27 and 28 ahead of the 69th International Classic Weekend, scheduled for Aug. 29-31. Pole Day is scheduled for Aug. 29. Modified Madness is booked for Aug. 30, with the Nascar Whelen Modified Tour racing the Tour Classic 150. The International Classic 200 is scheduled as the headline event on Aug. 31. For more details, visit www.OswegoSpeedway.com.

FRIDAY

Nick Root secured his second modified win of the year in his rookie campaign at Brewerton Speedway. Root started seventh and stormed to the lead, with Darren Smith mirroring his moves as Smith raced to second in the 35-lap feature. Amy Holland was third with class point-leader Tim Sears Jr. taking fourth ahead of Todd Root. The track will crown champions this Friday.

Cody Manitta won the Sportsman feature over Brett Sears and Nick Ventura. Hunter Hollenbeck took fourth and Tony Finch II was fifth after 25-laps of racing. Manitta took a chunk out of division point leader Jason Parkhurst Jr.’s lead with the win; Parkhurst was sixth overall and his lead is now only 13 points heading into the final week of racing.

Joe Isabell won the 20-lap Mod Lite feature over Mike Mullen and Anthony Scott. Zach Sobotka scored the CRSA Sprint victory over Jordan Hutton and Johnny Smith, taking the 25-lap feature from outside the front row.

Matt Sheppard won the feature, and the weekly Modified Championship at Utica-Rome Speedway, charging from 8th to win the main over rival Alex Yankowski. The convincing win paved the way for Sheppard’s title, finishing 60-points up on Rocky Warner, who finished fifth in the 30-lap feature. Willy Decker earned the final podium spot, and Matt Janczuk raced to fourth, securing third in the final point rundown.

Payton Talbot picked up a win in the Sportsman feature, topping Mike Richmond in the 25-lap main. Talbot started deep, and raced to the win from 12th on the initial grid. Blake Sarpriacone was third ahead of Tyler Peet and Josh Coonradt. The win cemented Talbot’s championship season, holding 46 points over Peet in the final standings.

Final week of points racing was a close one, with Luke Horning finishing a championship season in victory lane. He took the title over Bret Belden by just eight markers; Horning won the 20-lap main and Belden was chasing from second at the line. Slater Baker was third and Nick Stone finished fourth ahead of AJ Walters; Walters was third overall in the point standings.

Chuck Lowe won the 20-lap Limited Sportsman feature. Jayden Wust was second, and secured the track championship in the division with 160 point advantage over Matt Bukovan, who finished the race in sixth. Rudy King Jr. won the four-cylinder 15-lap feature, and with third, Wayne Russell Jr. won the division championship. Brett Putnam (All Star) and Preston Trautschold (Junior) took slingshot wins; the pair also wrapped up championship-winning seasons in their respective divisions.

Next weekend, Utica-Rome Speedway will host the annual The Cole Cup. The event is scheduled for Sunday, August 31. The program will include the ESS Sprint Cars and Limited Sportsman.

Utica-Rome Speedway announced the Jim Normoyle Memorial for Pro Stocks, scheduled for September 26, part of the annual end-of-the-year two-day Victoria Weekend at the Vernon oval. The Normoyle Memorial will run on the card with the 358-Modifieds, Limited Sportsman and Four-Cylinders. The Sunday portion of the card includes the New Yorker 50 for big blocks, along with the 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks and Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Racing Series.

Normoyle, a longtime Pro Stock racer, passed this month. Donations to the purse can be directed to Travis Welch, and all money raised will be spread through the field.

Utica-Rome’s announcement said the starting grid will feature up to 30 cars, with at least $1,047 reserved for the winner of the 47-lap, open-tire Pro Stock feature. The format will include draw/redraw.

Can-Am Speedway and Outlaw Speedway were both scheduled to be off Friday.

Can-Am will host their Night of Champions this Friday. Outlaw Speedway will offer a double-point championship night this Friday.

On Sept. 12, Outlaw will celebrate the lives of Arthur James and Cynthia Mae MacMillan, welcoming the ULMS Late Models to the oval. The Late Models will chase a $10,000 prize and the Modified winner will be rewarded with $6,400.

Spencer has one race remaining this year, opening a final time on Aug. 29 for the Maynard Troyer Classic VI. The card will include the RoC Modified and RoC Sportsman Series; adult admission is $27 and grandstands open at 5 p.m.

Dirt Hall’s Jack Speno passes

Jack Speno passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Aug. 20.

Jack was a mainstay in Victory Lane celebrations with DIRT Motorsports and DIRTcar and decades-long curator of Weedsport’s Northeast Dirt Modified Museum and Hall of Fame, a position he held for over 30 years.

Jack was a key cog and recognizable face from the early days of the Super DIRTcar Series through the final Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds. His heart was with motorsports, and he was dedicated to preserving the history for future generations.

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Motorsports

Joey Logano sends touching message to Denny Hamlin after NASCAR tragedy – Motorsport – Sports

Published

28 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Joey Logano sent his thoughts and prayers to Denny Hamlin and his family in the aftermath of a devastating housefire.

On Sunday, the home where Denny Hamlin’s parents, Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin, lived in North Carolina was destroyed in a massive blaze. On Monday, Dennis Hamlin, who already had been seriously ill, was confirmed to have died while Mary Lou Hamlin continued to recover from her injuries.

Now, Logano is the latest NASCAR star to reach out to the grieving Hamlin family amid their tragedy. The 35-year-old’s social media post comes just hours before Denny Hamlin broke his silence on the death of his father while simultaneously giving an update on his mother.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to @dennyhamlin,” the three-time Cup Series champion posted on X. “Such a horrific situation. The Logano family will continue to think of and pray for everyone impacted, and we’ll pray for Mary Lou and hope the best for her full recovery.”

It wasn’t just Logano that sent his thoughts and prayers to Hamlin and his family; A large majority of the NASCAR community sent their condolences to the 45-year-old. 23XI Racing, the team he co-owns with Michael Jordan, posted a statement on social media regarding the tragedy.

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“Everyone at 23XI Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic news concerning the Hamlin family. We extend our deepest condolences to Denny and the entire Hamlin family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and his mom,” the statement read.

Kyle Larson, who defeated Hamlin at Phoenix to win his second Cup Series championship, also sent his thoughts and prayers to the star, as did Kaden Honeycutt and Rodney Childers, a crew chief for JR Motorsports. NASCAR also released a statement on social media, offering its condolences to the Hamlin family after it was confirmed that Dennis Hamlin had died.

“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family,” the statement began.

“Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”

On Wednesday, Denny Hamlin broke his silence and took to social media to express his gratitude for the outpouring of support he’s received in the days following the fire and his father’s death.

The NASCAR star wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing. My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time.”

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Motorsports

Kenny Wallace sends plea to NASCAR boss over growing issue – Motorsport – Sports

Published

44 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace joined in on the ongoing debate regarding the value fans receive for the price of their tickets to attend races.

Speaking on his ‘Coffee with Kenny’ segment on X, Wallace detailed his frustrations with NASCAR’s ticketing strategy in recent years, which has prevented fans from enjoying a full and affordable experience at the racetrack and caused a decline in attendance.

Through the introduction of the one-ticket-for-everything bundle, which prohibits fans from buying a ticket to just the race or practice, many fans’ interest in attending live races has deteriorated, Wallace claimed.

“People say that the price of the ticket is relatively cheap when you consider inflation, people aren’t complaining about the price to get in the race track,” Wallace said, detailing a phone call he had with a NASCAR track owner.

“Here’s what they’re complaining about… what I’m hearing through a NASCAR track owner is that the fans are upset there’s nothing going on at the racetrack.”

Entry level tickets at low-end races fall within the $40 to $60 range, but most tracks have increased general admission and basic grandstand seats closer to $100. Single tickets to higher profile events, such as the Daytona 500, can cost $350 or more.

But that is just the base level. Camping, VIP passes, infield access and other experiences add to those costs significantly, sometimes exceeding four figures for one individual, much less a family.

Most fans’ gripes, Wallace said, come from the lack of action around the grounds for what a multi-day ticket costs. Track owners want to pack the campgrounds and encourage fans to come on Thursday night and stay through Sunday’s race, but there just isn’t enough exposure to Cup Series action throughout the weekend.

In recent seasons, the Cup Series moved most practice and qualifying activity into tight windows on Saturday afternoon, giving fans eager to see the stars of the sport little reason to show up as early as Thursday night.

“Back in the day, say, I don’t know, 15 years ago, when you went to the racetrack you had a reason to get there on Thursday night,” Wallace said.

“My track owner says that’s why the camping grounds are not packed anymore because Cup practice is at 4:30 on Saturday night right now. And the times change for everything, nothing is consistent. Nobody knows what the f— is going on.”

Wallace then sent a plea to NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell to enact change.

“Steve O’Donnell, my dear friend, if you’re listening to this, ‘You are the president of NASCAR. Let’s get some practice in on Friday and Saturday. Let’s do some things. Let’s give, let’s give these, these fans a reason to get to the racetrack early.”

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Motorsports

Statement from Racing America on the Passing of Michael Printup

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

January 1, 2026

Statement from Racing America on the Passing of Michael Printup

Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.

Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.

“For more than 15 years, Michael has been a great friend, from a lot of fun times together at Watkins Glen to being massively helpful to me in my new role this past year,” said Trans Am President Andy Lally. “I leaned on him a lot for advice in so many areas, and he was incredibly generous with his time. I’m going to miss him terribly.”

Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483).

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IHRA Adds Rockingham Speedway To Track Portfolio

Published

2 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FAIRFIELD, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association announced the purchase of Rockingham Speedway, one of the most iconic and storied venues in American motorsports.

The move reflects IHRA’s commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties.

Known worldwide as “The Rock,” Rockingham Speedway has played a pivotal role in NASCAR and American racing history for decades and remains deeply tied to the identity and pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.

“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “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.”

IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.

The Easter weekend NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event will build on the momentum generated in 2025, when the series’ return to Rockingham delivered strong attendance, national television exposure, and renewed excitement around the historic track.

The April weekend is expected to feature a full slate of on-track activity, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series West, and fan-focused programming throughout the holiday weekend. The event will continue to be promoted by Track Enterprises.

As IHRA looks ahead, the organization anticipates collaborating with experienced event partners as part of its long-term planning for the facility.

IHRA leadership noted that conversations are underway with respected industry operators, including Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises, as Rockingham Speedway is positioned for future events and opportunities beginning in 2026.

“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” said Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”

IHRA leadership emphasized that Rockingham Speedway will play a meaningful role in the organization’s broader strategy of revitalizing historic motorsports venues while creating sustainable, fan-focused experiences.

“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.”

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Kyle Busch mindblown by ‘crazy’ twist of fate with son Brexton – Motorsport – Sports

Published

2 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch is among the 2,000 entrants at the annual Tulsa Shootout in Oklahoma, where he is set to compete in four classes – all of which could also see him challenge his 10-year-old son, Brexton.

The Busch duo will be competing in the Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw class, Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw class, JST Motorsports A-Class, and the Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing class, while Brexton will also take on the K&B Motorsports Restricted A-Class.

The racing gods appeared to be smiling on the Busch family, drawing father and son against one another in race 182 in the A-Class – something which took them both by surprise.

“Yeah with the amount of heat races that are here, 45 of them or whatever it is for A-Class I mean how in the world do you draw the same heat race,” Kyle told FloRacing. “So crazy. But here we are. He’s got a fast one in front of him with Kaylee, and then obviously he’ll be starting in front of me. So hopefully we can make some ground and get some passing points out of our heat.”

As for Brexton, he admitted to being “excited” to take on his dad yet again, commenting, “This is the biggest race, and hopefully I can go five to one or something good and make the A.”

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Having kept a close eye on Brexton’s progress thus far, Kyle said, “The onboard actions been really good. His cars have been fast. He’s been doing a phenomenal job driving. I mean just quick laps and hot laps, but looks really, really good.

“So, he’s an all driven stuff, so it makes for familiarity going between car to car to car where I’ve got a storm chassis, a driven chassis, some hyper chassis. So I’m all over the place with my stuff. But just trying to fine-tune and see what works best, and be ready for when he moves up or gets a little bit Older to really challenge for some drillers.”

Challenging for the ‘Golden Driller’ trophies will require some adaptation from Brexton, who admitted he’s been taken aback by the “speed difference” compared to what he’s driven previously.

Despite this, he’s desperate to beat his dad, pointing out how this would make their record 2-2.

Looking at the bigger picture for the promising youngster, Kyle admitted that “obviously the goal is to make it to NASCAR.

“So eventually he’ll get to some ARCA races, some Truck races, and on to Xfinity on the Cup. So that’s the plan. Anyways, we’ll see how it goes. He’s got a lot of great help and sponsors with him along the way with Lucas Oil and Servpro and StarKist and FloSports, so we’re looking forward to making it all the way.”

The Shootout will be an excellent proving ground for Brexton, given that the competition has now only drawn Cup Series-level talent such as his dad, but also the likes of current champion Kyle Larson and Ty Gibbs, among other top-tier drivers.

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Motorsports

Rockingham Speedway officially sold to IHRA

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Rockingham is set to host the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series in April.

RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — An iconic North Carolina race track is now under a new ownership group.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) acquired Rockingham Speedway, according to a release issued by the drag racing entity. The deal’s terms were not disclosed.

NASCAR returned to Rockingham Speedway in 2025 after a hiatus that lasted over a decade. The track hosted NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series races in April.

The IHRA says it intends to improve the facility and restore the track to its former glory. Organizers say they hope to make the track a multi-use destination.

NASCAR is scheduled to bring the same two series to Rockingham in April on Easter Weekend, while the Cup Series is off.

Dan Lovenheim and the ownership group Rockingham Properties are generally credited with revitalizing the track, which sat mostly dormant since the Cup Series last raced at the track in 2004. The truck series returned in 2012 and 2013, and other motorsports events were held over the years, but the Richmond County site failed to bring in the excitement it once had.

The IRHA and Richmond County officials hope to make the facility a premier motorsports and entertainment destination.

“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” Meghann Lambeth, the Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, said in a release. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association.”

The IHRA is the second-largest drag racing series in the United States. The organization owns six racing facilities, including Darana Raceway and Heartland Motorsports Park.

A lion’s share of tracks used on the NASCAR circuit are owned by two companies: Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (SMI) and International Speedway Corporation (ISC), the latter of which is a NASCAR-owned corporation. However, there are a few outliers. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is owned by Roger Penske, Pocono Raceway is owned by the Mattioli family, and Circuit of the Americas is owned by a private ownership group.

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