NASCAR announced that it will not schedule any Cup Series or national events at Rockingham Speedway in 2027, citing uncertainty surrounding the track’s ownership. The decision marks the second consecutive year the series has been absent from the historic venue, a move that has left fans and series officials searching for answers.
A storied track faces uncertain future
The North Carolina track, once a cornerstone of American stock car racing, has hosted some of the sport’s most iconic moments. Legends such as Richard Petty, who won 11 races there, and Dale Earnhardt, who secured seven championships, made the 0.526‑mile oval a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts.
In 2025 and 2026, the venue saw a resurgence, with O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series events selling out and drawing capacity crowds. The revival was fueled by a $9 million infusion from Governor Roy Cooper’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds, which funded repaving, a new media center and other upgrades.
Financial pressures mount on the speedway's owner
Behind the comeback, however, lies a web of financial strain. Darryl Cuttell, who acquired the speedway in December 2025 from nightclub magnate Dan Lovenheim, is confronting liens and lawsuits that exceed half a billion dollars. Adding to the pressure, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has alleged that it overpaid between $500 million and $800 million to Darana Hybrid, a company controlled by Cuttell.
The International Hot Rod Association, also under Cuttell’s umbrella, has responded by cutting staff and canceling several racing series, underscoring the depth of the fiscal crisis that now threatens the track’s operational viability.
While the specter of another NASCAR departure looms, the community remains hopeful that the combination of historic significance, fan devotion and targeted investment could secure a future for the speedway. Whether the venue will reclaim its place on the national stage, however, hinges on resolving the ownership challenges that have become impossible to ignore.