Staff Report

ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County’s iconic oval track has a new owner — the International Hot Rod Association.

IHRA announced the purchase of Rockingham Speedway on New Year’s Eve, a move reflecting the sanctioning body’s “commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties.”

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

According to the press release, IHRA intents to restore the track “to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination.”

IHRA plans to make upgrades to the facility, expand fan amenities, and add concerts and festivals along with racing 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 track was purchased by Rockingham Properties LLC in 2018 for $2.8 million. 

The track started hosting events in 2021, with MB Drift finding its new home there following the closure of Myrtle Beach Speedway in late 2020.

NASCAR finally returned to the Rock in 2025 with races in the Xfinity Series — now O’Reilly Auto Parts Series — and the Craftsman Truck Series, as well as the Arca Menards Series East. All three are set to come back for another triple-race weekend April 3-4.

In addition to motorsports events, the Rock also hosted a concert by Struggle Jennings, the Tailgate N’ Tallboys Festival featuring Bailey Zimmerman and other country acts, and an electronic dance music festival.

Many renovations have been made to the track in recent years, including a repave for both the oval and the road course, new SAFER barriers and updates to the suites and media center.

Many of those upgrades were made possible by $9 million allocated to the county from the 2021 state budget — via the N.C. Department of Commerce — for infrastructure improvements at the track.

An additional $300,000 came from a reallocation of $2 million that had been set aside for a pedestrian bridge across U.S. 1 to connect the speedway with Rockingham Dragway.

“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).”

This is the third North Carolina motorsports facility IHRA has purchased this year: GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson; and Piedmont Dragway in Julian.

Recently, IRHA announced purchases of Heartland Motorsports Park in Kansas, Memphis International Raceway in Tennessee, and Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania.

The organization has also announced both a stock car and powerboat series.

More plans for Rockingham are to be announced at a later date.

F4 U.S. Driver Champion: Cooper Shipman, Kiwi Motorsport

The second-generation Ligier JS F422 chassis continued to prove its competitiveness, with four drivers taking checkered flags this season, and eight standing on the podium throughout the championship’s 17 races. At first, the 2025 championship appeared to be anyone’s to win. Kekai Hauanio (No. 29 N-E-Where Transport / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F422), Alex Popow (No. 55 Dr. Michael Thompson MS DDS PPLS / MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422) and Caleb Campbell (No. 68 Kids Help Phone / Camtacc Properties / Legacy Foundation of Canada / LC Racing Ligier JS F422) split the victories during the first six races at NOLA Motorsports Park and Road America, but after that came Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, and once Cooper Shipman (No. 14 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) pulled into Victory Lane at Mid-Ohio, no one could kick him out.

For the next nine rounds, Shipman never skipped a beat, taking checkered flag after checkered flag until he tallied nine-consecutive wins. Surpassing five-time INDYCAR winner Kyle Kirkwood and the inaugural F4 U.S. series champion Cameron Das on the list for longest win streaks, Shipman set a new standard for the series record books. Accruing nine wins, 13 podiums, 14 top fives, 15 top 10s, four poles and seven fastest race laps, Shipman locked in the championship by the conclusion of Round 15 at VIRginia International Raceway.

With the title, Shipman earned a scholarship to compete in Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) in 2026. Perhaps giving a preview of what can be expected next season, the Texan used 2025’s final round to get some experience in the FR Americas car, driving to a podium finish in his series debut at Barber Motorsports Park.

“Wow, so many people to thank for this year,” said Shipman while accepting the F4 U.S. Championship trophy. “First of all, my parents for supporting me and helping me all the way through my motorsports career to get to this point. Thanks to Scott [Goodyear] for helping me get into this series and get my feet on the ground.

“But most importantly, thanks to Kiwi Motorsport for all of their support this year. Teena [Larsen], Garry [Orton], all of my driver coaches that I worked with this year, the number of different engineering mechanics—some in person, and some unfortunately not able to be here with us. You guys all helped me be fast every single time we went on track this year. This record of nine wins in a row and this championship would not have been possible without any of you. So, I just can’t thank you guys enough. I hope to be up here again next year talking to you guys. Thank you.”

Valued at more than $295,000, Shipman’s prize package includes the lease of a Ligier JS F3 chassis from Ligier Automotive, an engine from Mountune USA, three sets of tires per event from Hankook Motorsports and race entry fees from Racing America. In addition to earning valuable FIA Super License Points, Shipman was awarded a variety of other prizes, including a carbon Bell helmet, custom OMP racing suit, bespoke Omologato timepiece, Haas F1 Team guest experience at a 2026 F1 event, and an invitation to the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony.

READ MORE: 2025 Driver Points Championship Standings

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The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas, reinforcing IHRA’s long-term commitment to preserving motorsports history while reimagining legendary venues for the future.

Originally opened in 1963 as Topeka Dragway, the facility later evolved into Heartland Motorsports Park and became one of the most versatile motorsports complexes in the country. Over the decades, Heartland has hosted major national drag racing events, road racing, karting, motocross, and countless grassroots competitions, earning its reputation as a cornerstone of Midwest motorsports.

With this acquisition, Heartland Motorsports Park enters a new chapter — one that honors its storied past while positioning the property as a modern destination entertainment complex.

“Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of the International Hot Rod Association. “It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations.”

A Destination for Racing, Music, and Community

IHRA’s long-term vision for Heartland Motorsports Park extends well beyond competition weekends. Planned restoration and redevelopment efforts will focus on creating a year-round destination that blends motorsports with live entertainment and community engagement, including:

· Revitalized drag racing operations with improved racer and fan amenities

· Expanded motorsports and special event programming

· Live music, concerts, and festival experiences

· Enhanced hospitality, vendor, and fan-experience areas

· Community-focused events designed to drive tourism and economic impact

“Motorsports has to evolve to stay strong,” Cuttell added. “The future is about creating places where racing, music, entertainment, and community come together. Heartland has all the pieces to become one of the premier motorsports and entertainment destinations in the country.”

The acquisition aligns with IHRA’s broader racer-first philosophy, which includes direct investment in facilities and infrastructure that strengthen grassroots racing, elevate national competition, and create sustainable motorsports ecosystems.

Renovation planning will begin immediately, with additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules, and community partnerships expected in the coming months.

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NASCAR superstar Denny Hamlin has broken his silence after a tragic house fire killed his father, Dennis, and left his mother, Mary Lou, hospitalized. On Sunday, it was revealed that a devastating fire broke out at the Hamlin family home in North Carolina, and that there was one casualty, and another person was left hospitalized.

On Monday, the casualty was confirmed to be Hamlin’s father, Dennis, 75, who was already seriously ill and had to watch his son’s outstanding 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season from home. Hamlin dedicated his race wins, including his 60th Cup victory in Las Vegas, to his father and had hoped to end his 20-year Cup Series championship drought in Phoenix last month, before his father passed away.

However, Hamlin was pipped in overtime by Kyle Larson after being undercut on pit road, leaving the 45-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing star devastated. Hamlin looked broken before climbing out of the No. 11 and being comforted by his partner, Jordan Fish.

Despite Dennis being seriously ill and the Hamlin family unsure how long they had left with the figurehead, the manner of his passing was truly devastating. Well wishes from across the NASCAR world have poured in, from Hamlin’s competitors of past and present, as well as some of the sport’s best-ever,  such as Richard Petty.

Dennis’s passing and Mary Lou’s hospitalization are the latest tragedies in the short offseason. NASCAR lost former driver Michael Annett, who died at the age of 39, followed by Greg Biffle, his wife, his two children, and three others in a fatal plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina.

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Hamlin, whose emotions surrounding his father’s health were clear last season, has broken his silence. The NASCAR star has thanked those who have shown support following Dennis’ death and provided an update on his mom as she remains hospitalized.

Hamlin posted on social media: “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 oupuring of support and respect for our privacy during this time.” 

23XI Racing, the team he co-owns with Michael Jordan, shared their support in a statement on Tuesday. They wrote: “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.” 

Joe Gibbs Racing posted: “Please join all of us at Joe Gibbs Racing in praying for @dennyhamlin, his family, and his Mom. We appreciate the outpouring of support.” 

A NASCAR statement read: “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. 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.”

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon was awarded a knighthood Wednesday in New Zealand’s New Year honors list.

“I’ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ‘Sir’ was going to be one of them,” Dixon said. “That was kind of crazy. Totally out of the blue … You automatically go back to the start like the first time driving a go-kart and then all the rest of the memories happened at warp speed.”

Scott Ronald Glyndwr Dixon, now a Knight Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was born in Australia to New Zealand-born parents who later returned to live in Auckland.

Dixon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008, received the knighthood for services to motor sport. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2024.

“Sir Scott is a hero to young New Zealand motor sport fans and his work fundraising for children’s charities is invaluable,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.

Dixon won karting titles in Australia and New Zealand before heading to the United States where he raced in Indy Lights and CART series before moving to IndyCar in 2003.

Dixon has had 23 consecutive seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar with 58 wins and 142 podium finishes from 380 starts. He has started 32 times from pole position and won the championship in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020.

“It’s all about outside racing giving back to the community and the partnerships you make away from the track and causes you get involved in,” Dixon said.

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AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer contributed to this story.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas.

The facility opened in 1963 as Topeka Dragway and later became Heartland Motorsports Park. Over the years, it has hosted national drag racing events as well as road racing, karting, motocross and grassroots competitions, becoming a long-standing motorsports venue in the Midwest.

According to IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell, the organization plans to restore and redevelop the property while respecting its history.

“Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing,” said Cuttell. “It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations.”

IHRA’s plans include revitalizing drag racing operations, expanding motorsports and special event programming, adding live music and festival events, improving hospitality and fan areas, and hosting community-focused events. Renovation planning will begin immediately, with further details on redevelopment and future events expected in the coming months.

For more information, visit ihra.com.

Image courtesy of IHRA