Rockingham Motor Speedway

Rockingham Motor Speedway represents two distinct racing venues sharing the same name but located on different continents. Both circuits have played significant roles in motorsport history, with one in North Carolina, USA and the other in Northamptonshire, England. These tracks feature oval layouts with banked turns, though their designs, histories, and legacies differ substantially. Both venues have experienced periods of prominence followed by challenges, making their stories compelling chapters in motorsport history.

North Carolina Speedway - Origin and Construction

The American Rockingham Speedway opened in 1965 in Rockingham, North Carolina, approximately 90 minutes from Charlotte. Harold Brasington, who also built Darlington Raceway, began construction in 1964 with partner Bill Land. The project faced financial difficulties until L.G. DeWitt provided support to complete it. The facility initially featured a flat 1-mile oval track, which was later modified in 1969 with steeper banking to increase racing speeds and improve competition. The track's surface gained reputation for its abrasive nature, resulting from local materials used in the paving compound. This characteristic created unique racing conditions that tested drivers' skill and tire management. The DeWitt family owned the speedway until 1997, when racing mogul Roger Penske purchased and renamed it North Carolina Speedway.

North Carolina Speedway - Technical Specifications

The American track measures 1.017 miles (1.637 km) with a distinctive D-shaped oval configuration. Its banking varies throughout the circuit, with turns 1 and 2 featuring 22-degree banking and turns 3 and 4 having 25-degree banking. The straightaways include 8-degree banking, creating a dynamic racing surface. The facility expanded in 1977 with a 1.5-mile road course utilizing portions of the oval and infield sections. A smaller 0.526-mile track called "Little Rock" replicates Martinsville Speedway and provides additional racing options.

North Carolina Speedway - Racing Heritage

From 1965 to 2004, the track hosted NASCAR Cup Series events, establishing a rich racing tradition. The inaugural American 500 in 1965 saw Curtis Turner take victory while Richard Petty claimed pole position. The speedway became a fixture on the NASCAR schedule, with Matt Kenseth winning the final Cup race, the Subway 400, in 2004. The track also hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series events from 1982 to 2004 and NASCAR Truck Series races in 2012 and 2013. Ownership changed hands multiple times, with International Speedway Corporation acquiring it in 1999, followed by Speedway Motorsports Inc. Former driver Andy Hillenburg purchased the facility in 2007. After a period of closure due to financial issues, Rockingham Properties LLC bought the track in 2018 for $2.8 million and repaved the surface. Recent developments suggest a potential NASCAR return, with Xfinity Series and Truck Series events scheduled for 2025.

Rockingham Motor Speedway UK - Development and Design

The British Rockingham Motor Speedway, located in Northamptonshire, England, opened in 2001 as Europe's first purpose-built banked oval since Brooklands closed in 1939. Construction began in 1999 on a former British Steel works site, with Queen Elizabeth II formally opening the facility on May 26, 2001. Peter Davies conceived the project as a motorsport hub for Britain, aiming to introduce American-style oval racing to UK audiences.

Rockingham UK - Track Configurations and Racing History

The UK circuit featured multiple layouts, with its oval measuring 1.479 miles (2.380 km) and including banking between 3.5 and 7.9 degrees. The International Super Sports Car Circuit extended 2.050 miles with 13 turns. The venue hosted CART (Champ Car) races in 2001 and 2002, British Touring Car Championship events, and the ASCAR stock car series. The facility included seating for 52,000 spectators. Despite its modern facilities, the British circuit closed in 2018. Constellation Automotive Group purchased the property in 2021, which now serves promotional purposes for the Cinch car sales brand. The 350-acre site has been repurposed for vehicle storage and refurbishment, ending its chapter in British motorsport history.