Rockingham open test preview

Rockingham Welcomes Fans to Free ARCA Open Test Days

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Competitors in ARCA's return to Rockingham Speedway will have the opportunity for an open test session, March 21-22. ARCA has not raced at the historic one-mile track since that series' first and so far only race, in 1973.

That first race was won by ARCA star and NASCAR driver Charlie Glotzbach, in his Chevelle. "Chargin' Charlie" won the pole for the June 10 race and averaged over 118 mph before taking the checker in the Tar Heel 300 over Charlie Blanton.

This year's Carolina 500 returns the original name of the track's Spring race, at 500 kilometers race distance.

"We've had a lot of people waiting for cars back at Rockingham," said new track owner and 1995 ARCA champion Andy Hillenburg. "We'll have race cars on the track from nine to five both days, with a noon to one lunch break," Hillenburg added.

Fans are invited to attend the test sessions both days: "the grandstands and infield will be open to fans and we're expecting a good turnout to come watch."

Race weekend practice will take place Friday, May 2, with more practice and qualifying on Saturday. The Carolina 500 will take the green flag at noon on Sunday, May 4.

That's not the end of racing at "The Rock" in 2008 though. The USAR Hooters Pro Cup series closes their season at "The Rock" on November 1 with the American 200.

Hillenburg's school, Fast Track High Performance Driving School, has sessions throughout the year, with courses from the 24-lap Thunder and Lightning all the way to the intensive three-day basic oval course. Ride-along programs are also available. Courses are held at Rockingham, Atlanta, Kentucky, Michigan and Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Tentative Carolina 500 Race Weekend Schedule

Sat, May 3
10:00 AM SIM Factory Pole Qualifying ( Positions 1 - 25 / 2 laps)
2:30 PM Second Round Qualifying (Positions 26 - 41 / 2 laps)
5:00-6:00 PM Final Practice

Sun, May 4
11:30 AM ARCA RE/MAX Series Driver Introduction
2:00 Noon Start of the Carolina 500k (312 laps / 312 miles)

-credit: rockinghamspeedway.com