Rockingham Speedway has a new owner once again. This time, it was the IHRA that stepped in to acquire “The Rock” with the intention of preserving the once-abandoned facility.
IHRA is funded by owner Darryl H. Cuttel, who also owns Ohio-based electromechanical contractor Darana Hybrid, which works for Elon Musk companies such as xAI, Tesla and SpaceX. Over the past year, Cuttel has purchased the IHRA, numerous tracks (mostly drag strips), a tractor pull, and even a series of motorboats. The IHRA also recently launched its own Stock Car series.
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“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, owner of IHRA. “It’s a special place with strong foundations. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facilities, respect its history and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”
Rockingham hosted NASCAR Cup races between 1965 and 2004. Andy Hillenburg attempted to revive the track, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series held races there in 2012 and 2013. The North Carolina oval remained quiet in the years that followed and was sold again in 2018. With the help of funds allocated by the COVID-19 relief plan, the track was prepared for another comeback in NASCAR in 2025, which included several improvements. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Truck Series raced there over Easter weekend in a successful outing.
NASCAR previously announced plans to bring its two lower national divisions back to Rockingham in 2026.
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“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 are proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it attracts visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”
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