A $9 Million Award Could Mean an Old NASCAR Track Will Make a Big Return to the Calendar

A very interesting piece of news is doing rounds in the world of NASCAR. A track once loved by fans, where it used to be a common sight to witness crowds in excess of 30,000 is back in the news. And there have been speculations that the track might see the return of Cup Series races after almost two decades.

A massive $3.5 million repaving project was just completed at Rockingham Speedway in Richmond County. That has made the community very hopeful that the Cup Series will make its return to these tracks. The North Carolina state sanctioned a budget of $9 million for infrastructure upgrades for the race track. The speedway officials hope that the new statewide tourist attraction will bring more visitors to the historic racetrack.

The project has finished just in time for Governor Roy Cooper’s visit to announce the establishment of the state’s Moonshine & Motorsports trail. The self-guided tour’s first stop will be the Rockingham Speedway.

The ball is in NASCAR’s court

As per the track executives, who have had initial conversations with NASCAR officials, the ball is now in NASCAR’s court. Executive Vice President Justin Jones said, “Everywhere I go around town it’s, ‘When is NASCAR coming back?’ The same answer I can give them is, ‘We are doing everything we can,’ because that is our number one goal.”

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Jones also said that they would need all the support from fans if they really want the racing back at Rockingham Speedway. He also mentioned that there might be a possibility for a CARS tour race on the half-mile track in 2024.

Track improvements that can help NASCAR race there soon

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Reports about the overhaul of the speedway had started coming in late last year. The track is currently looking better than it has in years after the multi-million dollar repaving. There are still many improvements and renovations to be made around the 250-acre facility.

Apr 3, 2022; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) and driver William Byron (24) cross the start line during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY SportsAccording to track officials, the turn-two grandstands will be taken down by workers and standard seats will be replaced with a sundeck. There will be space in the area for live music, drinks, and covered seating. SAFER Barriers will also be upgraded and reinstalled. To provide the track with high-speed internet, a fiber optic cable grid is being installed. This year’s biggest undertaking will be lighting the 250-acre complex.

Track officials have admitted that though upgrading the racing and entertainment complex is a long and tedious process, their goal is to show NASCAR that Richmond County is ready to race.

“After it stayed dormant for so long and so many people came through and took everything of value from it, the last two to three years has been a labor of love for everyone involved,” said Executive Vice President, Justin Jones. “It’s going to be a full-on mini-Martinsville if you will,” he added.

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The officials hope the stands will be full, sending a strong message to NASCAR and other racing series.