The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially acquired the Rockingham Speedway, a move that was announced on Thursday. The details of the transaction, including the purchase price, were not disclosed in the announcement on the IHRA’s website.
Darryl Cuttell, the owner of the IHRA, expressed the organization’s commitment to honoring the rich history of the Rockingham Speedway, stating, “IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world. 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.”
The IHRA plans to rejuvenate the speedway as a premier racing venue while also expanding its role as a multi-use facility. Plans may include hosting a variety of events such as festivals and concerts, in addition to racing.
The IHRA is renowned for overseeing a diverse range of motorsport events, extending to drag racing, stock cars, offshore powerboating, and snowmobiles, among others.
Notably, the Rockingham Speedway, once known as the North Carolina Motor Speedway, has a storied history in NASCAR, hosting the Xfinity Series from 1982 to 2004 and the Truck Series from 2012 to 2013. The speedway saw a significant moment earlier in April when NASCAR returned to the venue after more than ten years, further highlighting the significance of this acquisition by the IHRA.
With this new chapter, there is optimism surrounding the future of Rockingham Speedway, as the IHRA aims to revitalize the location and create a vibrant hub for motorsports and community events.