NASCAR: 5 possible additions to the Cup Series schedule

Possible new NASCAR Cup Series track: No. 3 – Rockingham Speedway

Track description: 1.017-mile oval

Rockingham Speedway, better known as “The Rock”, was a regular fixture on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for decades, much like nearby North Wilkesboro Speedway.

However, after the final Cup Series race at the track in 2004, the track has largely been ignored, with the only NASCAR events at the track being two Truck Series races in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Since then, the track has sat largely vacant and unused.

When there are cars on the track, the 1.017-mile Rockingham Speedway layout is a quirky track. Its high banking is similar to that of Dover Motor Speedway, and its D-Shaped oval layout is similar to that of Phoenix Raceway.

With only three one-mile tracks currently on the schedules of NASCAR’s top three series, there is room for Rockingham Speedway. The track was given new life in 2021, which allowed for crucial renovations and repairs to be made. This most notably included a repave of the racing surface.

Unlike North Wilkesboro Speedway, which has returned to the Cup Series schedule this season as the host venue for the All-Star Race, Rockingham Speedway is yet to see its return to the Cup Series schedule. With the renovations likely to be done by 2024, the stage could be set for a NASCAR return.

Would it be one, two, or all three of NASCAR’s top series returning to the track in 2024? It wouldn’t be surprising if return to Rockingham Speedway is led by the Xfinity Series or Truck Series, with the Cup Series following a few years behind.