
Rockingham Speedway is set to rumble back to life on Tuesday, Jan. 28, with an open organizational test ahead of the long-awaited return of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. After more than two decades of dormancy for the Xfinity Series and a 12-year hiatus for the Truck Series, the historic one-mile oval will once again echo with the roar of NASCAR engines.
Track Enterprises sealed the deal in August, bringing the two series back to the venerable North Carolina venue for a double-header weekend on April 18-19, 2025. But first, dozens of teams from both series will fine-tune their machines in what promises to be a day of high-speed nostalgia and crucial pre-season prep. Fans can catch all the action from the Turn 4 grandstands—free of charge—starting at 9 a.m.
This test is no leisurely shakedown; it’s the only pre-season opportunity for teams to dial in their setups before tackling the 250-lap Xfinity race and the Black’s Tire 200 Truck Series race in April. Bob Sargent, president of Track Enterprises, knows the importance of this moment:
“We’re thrilled to see cars and trucks back at Rockingham and to give fans a sneak peek of what’s to come. This isn’t just a test; it’s the first step in reviving a legendary track and gearing up for an epic Easter Weekend showdown.”
It’s been 21 years since the Xfinity Series last raced here, and the venue’s history reads like a who’s who of NASCAR legends. David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Mark Martin, and Jamie McMurray are just a few of the icons who left their mark on the high-banked oval. Martin was a force to be reckoned with, notching 11 Xfinity wins at Rockingham, including an astonishing streak of four consecutive victories in the late ’90s—a feat McMurray matched in the early 2000s.
The Truck Series has a more recent, albeit brief, history at the Rock. Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson captured wins during the series’ two-race stint in 2012-2013. Matt Crafton, the only active Truck Series regular from that era, is eager to return to a track where he once competed against a young crop of talent, including current Cup stars like Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, and Bubba Wallace.
For drivers like Rajah Caruth, the upcoming test represents more than just an opportunity to prep for the season—it’s a journey into NASCAR history.
“As a fan and student of the sport, racing at a place like Rockingham is incredible,”* said Caruth. “Seeing the excitement around tracks like North Wilkesboro makes me thrilled to be part of Rockingham’s revival. It’s high-banked, high-speed, and exactly the kind of racing I love.”
If you’re craving a dose of NASCAR history mixed with the promise of an exhilarating future, Rockingham’s January test is a must-see. Race tickets for April’s events will be available on-site during the test, so mark your calendars and prepare for a day of sights, sounds, and speed as Rockingham reclaims its place in NASCAR lore.
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