Rockingham Speedway has a new owner as IHRA purchases historic track

Rockingham Speedway has a new owner, again. This time, it's the IHRA that has stepped in to acquire 'The Rock' with plans to preserving the once-abandoned facility. 

The IHRA is bankrolled by owner Darryl H. Cuttel, who also owns the Ohio-based Darana Hybrid electrical-mechanical contractor, which does work for Elon Musk companies such as xAI, Tesla, and SpaceX. Over the past year, Cuttel purchased the IHRA, numerous tracks (mostly drag strips), tractor pulling and even a power boat series. The IHRA recently launched its own Stock Car Series as well.

“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “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.”

Rockingham hosted NASCAR Cup races between 1965 and 2004. There was an attempt to revive the track by Andy Hillenburg, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series held races there in both 2012 and 2013. The North Carolina oval fell silent in the years that followed, and was sold again in 2018. With help from funds allocated by the COVID-19 relief package, the track was made ready for another NASCAR return in 2025, which included several upgrades. Both the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts and Truck Series raced there on Easter weekend in a successful outing. 

NASCAR previously announced plans to bring both of its lower two national divisions to Rockingham again in 2026.

“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’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”