Who wants to buy The Rock?

[jeffconn]

http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=267415

http://national-auction.com/default.aspx?id=1541

[call_me_andrew]

I'll miss that track.

[blakebeatty]

So, buy it then :)

[call_me_andrew]

If you knew how bad my credit was, you'd know why I can't.

[blakebeatty]

It's funny that the rock didn't maintain a stand-alone busch or truck race. Is there a reason for this?

[SmokeFan20]

It's funny that the rock didn't maintain a stand-alone busch or truck race. Is there a reason for this?

Bottom line, Bruton Smith is a selfish old toad.
He had no intentions of keeping Rockingham alive as atleast a Busch/Truck/IndyCar/ARCA/USAC/HootersProCup/Modified track.
All he wanted from Rockingham was it's race date so Texas could have a 2nd race.
Same with North Wilkesboro.

I cringe whenever I see him talking about about how ISC should sell him Darlington so he can "protect it", while in the same breath talking about how he will do whatever it takes to get Las Vegas a 2nd race.
If ISC did sell him Darlington, I wonder just where that 2nd Vegas race date would come from......

[geek49203]

Bottom line, Bruton Smith is a selfish old toad.
He had no intentions of keeping Rockingham alive as atleast a Busch/Truck/IndyCar/ARCA/USAC/HootersProCup/Modified track.
All he wanted from Rockingham was it's race date so Texas could have a 2nd race.
Same with North Wilkesboro.

I cringe whenever I see him talking about about how ISC should sell him Darlington so he can "protect it", while in the same breath talking about how he will do whatever it takes to get Las Vegas a 2nd race.
If ISC did sell him Darlington, I wonder just where that 2nd Vegas race date would come from......

Where to begin --

1. Aside from Indy, tracks are built, races are run, then they are plowed under. Look at the pics of Nazareth, with the 6' wide, 6' deep trench thru the racing surface. There must be 200 defunct tracks in Michigan alone. It happens, and it will happen again.

2. "Selfish old toads" are the mercy killers of free enterprise. Quite frankly, it's better for everyone-not-in-Rockingham to have 2 races in Texas. NASCAR can race in front of 100k people in Vegas, or 25k in North Wilkesboro -- your choice. Does NASCAR race for the Los Angeles crowd, or yet another small crowd in North Carolina (Hickory)? Yes, I miss Hickory, but then again, that might simply be because I miss smaller crowds and laid-back NASCAR people of 20 years ago.

Right now, the IRL is mostly a midwestern USA deal -- most of their schedule is within an easy drive of Indy. That's where NASCAR was 20 years ago. Did NASCAR leave their roots, or did they decide to break out of their regional market in favor of new venues? The answer to both is "yes".

[blakebeatty]

I like the diversification of NASCAR. There are NASCAR fans all over this continent that deserve to have a race track too, not just those in North Carolina. Don't get me wrong, I love going to Charlotte in May, but it costs me a fortune.

For me, a home track would be in Minneapolis, which I think would be a great location for expansion. There are like 4 million people in the Metro area, and it is within 6 hours of St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Milwaukee, and not least of all Chicago. Plus money is no issue: They are currently replacing the Metrodome, with a $550 million ball park for the Twins, a $300 million Stadium for the UofM Golden Gophers, and ONE BILLION DOLLAR stadium for the Vikings, downtown.

I think it is a more viable option than Seattle, though less glamorous.

Where would you have the next expansion track built?

[Chandler]

Where would you have the next expansion track built?

I've heard rumblings of a clone of the Kansas/Chicago style track being built in northern Mississippi about 30 minutes south of Memphis, TN. It would be near several booming casinos and if I'm not mistaken would be partly owned by the casino parent companies. If you do build there, you'd have a track in NASCAR's backyard practically. Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, East Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri would all be within a nice distance from it.

And of course, there's also the perk of having a race in so-called "NASCAR country". Or as I like to call it as a Mississippi native: "God's Country."

[geek49203]

I've heard rumblings of a clone of the Kansas/Chicago style track being built in northern Mississippi about 30 minutes south of Memphis, TN.

Take out your pencil, and draw a line around the location of each current NASCAR or ISC speedway that roughly equates to a 4-hour drive. Then, forget about new ISC projects and/or new Cup dates in those areas.

Second, I'm pretty sure that Memphis already has a speedway, and if Dover Motorsports (Dover International Speedway, Gateway International Raceway, Memphis Motorsports Park, and Nashville Superspeedway) thinks that they can get a Cup date at Memphis (or Nashville!) then they'll make sure that no new tracks go into those areas.

Uh, throw Kentucky in that mix as well.

[tstran17_88]

I like the diversification of NASCAR. There are NASCAR fans all over this continent that deserve to have a race track too, not just those in North Carolina. Don't get me wrong, I love going to Charlotte in May, but it costs me a fortune.

For me, a home track would be in Minneapolis, which I think would be a great location for expansion. There are like 4 million people in the Metro area, and it is within 6 hours of St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Milwaukee, and not least of all Chicago. Plus money is no issue: They are currently replacing the Metrodome, with a $550 million ball park for the Twins, a $300 million Stadium for the UofM Golden Gophers, and ONE BILLION DOLLAR stadium for the Vikings, downtown.

I think it is a more viable option than Seattle, though less glamorous.

Where would you have the next expansion track built?I like the Twin Cities idea. :D Any track that is semi-close to me and where I can avoid a drive through Chicago is my kind of track.

[Alexamateo]

I've heard rumblings of a clone of the Kansas/Chicago style track being built in northern Mississippi about 30 minutes south of Memphis, TN. It would be near several booming casinos and if I'm not mistaken would be partly owned by the casino parent companies. If you do build there, you'd have a track in NASCAR's backyard practically. Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, East Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri would all be within a nice distance from it.

And of course, there's also the perk of having a race in so-called "NASCAR country". Or as I like to call it as a Mississippi native: "God's Country."

While the folks there did go as far as get zoning approval back in 2003, Here it is four years later and nothings been done. It was just one of those "Let's announce something, and see what happens." No one's going to spend any money unless there's a guaranteed date from Nascar, and Nascar's not giving a date to an as yet "imaginary" track.

[geek49203]

No one's going to spend any money unless there's a guaranteed date from Nascar, and Nascar's not giving a date to an as yet "imaginary" track.

The announced Louisiana International Speedway will further kill any plans for Mississippi. However, those who are building it are thinking that they can either go it w/o a Cup date, or that the NASCAR people will drop some other race to put them on the calendar.

[Alexamateo]

The announced Louisiana International Speedway will further kill any plans for Mississippi. However, those who are building it are thinking that they can either go it w/o a Cup date, or that the NASCAR people will drop some other race to put them on the calendar.

That's what you have to do of course, go on the assumption you're not getting a Cup date. It's just the folks here in Memphis aren't really serious about it IMO. I sell to the construction industry, and I see projects announced all the time that never see the light of day. The Tunica track at this time is just another one of those right now.

[call_me_andrew]

Bottom line, Bruton Smith is a selfish old toad.
He had no intentions of keeping Rockingham alive as atleast a Busch/Truck/IndyCar/ARCA/USAC/HootersProCup/Modified track.
All he wanted from Rockingham was it's race date so Texas could have a 2nd race.
Same with North Wilkesboro.

As I understand it, part of the deal SMI had with ISC stipulated that under SMI's ownership, the track could not have any NASCAR sanctioned series compete there. Also, I don't think Hooters ProCup Series would race at a track that big.


"Selfish old toads" are the mercy killers of free enterprise. Quite frankly, it's better for everyone-not-in-Rockingham to have 2 races in Texas. NASCAR can race in front of 100k people in Vegas, or 25k in North Wilkesboro -- your choice. Does NASCAR race for the Los Angeles crowd, or yet another small crowd in North Carolina (Hickory)? Yes, I miss Hickory, but then again, that might simply be because I miss smaller crowds and laid-back NASCAR people of 20 years ago.

I fail to see how two races in Texas is better than one race in Rockingham for anyone. Save for the IndyCar races, Texas is pretty ho-hum.

[Mark in Oshawa]

No one's going to spend any money unless there's a guaranteed date from Nascar, and Nascar's not giving a date to an as yet "imaginary" track.


They wont give a Cup date to Kentucky, and last time I looked, it wasn't anyone's imagination.

I think the problem is that the Cup dates being doubled up at so many tracks is just not helping fill the demand for Cup racing. What worked in the 1960's to keep tracks going isn't working now. You cant have two dates at half the tracks involved, and only give single dates to others. The economics now of building a new track are so large, that a Cup date is the only viable way to make the numbers work unless your IRL date ( assuming you get one ) draws better than most. Rockingham wasn't drawing enough for Cup, so it is clear to see why it lost its role in the sport, but that doesn't diminish the fact many tracks with double dates stop new tracks from getting dates, so when SMI or ISC want a Cup date, they do so by cannablizing the smaller or poorer cousins. The big tracks are going to ruin NASCAR in some ways. The unique tracks such as Darlington, Rockingham, and Martinsville are all under the gun (or in the Rock's case shot) and maybe replaced by "cookie cutters" and THAT would be a shame. Bristol and Richmond adapted to the new world.......it remains to be seen what happens to Darlington and Martinsville long term.

And yet the world wonders...how the heck does Pocono keep its two dates???

[jeffconn]

They wont give a Cup date to Kentucky, and last time I looked, it wasn't anyone's imagination.

I think the problem is that the Cup dates being doubled up at so many tracks is just not helping fill the demand for Cup racing. What worked in the 1960's to keep tracks going isn't working now. You cant have two dates at half the tracks involved, and only give single dates to others. The economics now of building a new track are so large, that a Cup date is the only viable way to make the numbers work unless your IRL date ( assuming you get one ) draws better than most. Rockingham wasn't drawing enough for Cup, so it is clear to see why it lost its role in the sport, but that doesn't diminish the fact many tracks with double dates stop new tracks from getting dates, so when SMI or ISC want a Cup date, they do so by cannablizing the smaller or poorer cousins. The big tracks are going to ruin NASCAR in some ways. The unique tracks such as Darlington, Rockingham, and Martinsville are all under the gun (or in the Rock's case shot) and maybe replaced by "cookie cutters" and THAT would be a shame. Bristol and Richmond adapted to the new world.......it remains to be seen what happens to Darlington and Martinsville long term.

And yet the world wonders...how the heck does Pocono keep its two dates???

Pocono keeps its two cup dates because it's NOT owned by SMI or ISC or DMS. If Martinsville didn't sell out to ISC, their race dates would be set in stone for eternity.
Reason: NASCAR fears lawsuits! And apparently, race dates are a commodity to be bought and sold and transferred in NASCAR.

[geek49203]

And yet the world wonders...how the heck does Pocono keep its two dates???

Two reasons --

First, what other track is as close to NYC and Philly?

Second, the France family was given 2 dates by Pocono long ago, when NASCAR's crowds were less than ARCA's today. The family that owns Pocono got to be good friends w/ the France family.

[geek49203]

...apparently, race dates are a commodity to be bought and sold and transferred in NASCAR.

You're very close to the truth. I hear that there is discussion of all tracks, even ISC tracks, bidding for NASCAR dates in the future, especially if ISC loses an anti-trust lawsuit.

However, obviously, ISC would have a great advantage there, since ISC and NASCAR are simply 2 pockets in the same set of pants.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Well, I had a feeling I knew that Pocono being close to NY might be a reason, and I know that they were loyal to NASCAR long before the explosion of popularity, but it still is a bit interesting how NASCAR through ISC has taken dates away from older venues that are ISC owned, yet non SMI or ISC tracks have been left alone. Of course, when the Mattoli family sells Pocono or gets out, then things might get REALLY interesting. I hope like Martinsville is always part of the picture, and I am tired of tracks being bought so second dates can be bought for boring cookie cutters. I like Bruton Smith, and I get why this is happening, but part of me will never like some of the venues we have lost.

The fact NASCAR hates lawsuits should be amended. IF fear of lawsuits was the reason, then they would have caved with Kentucky to avoid a lawsuit. No...it is much deeper than that I suspect. I just know that some tracks while packed to the roof are so-so spectacles for racing and I would love to see more tracks on the sched. It would allow to spread the "footprint" around anymore, but unfortunately, it will come at the expense of some ISC venues and SMI venues if it was allowed to come to fruition. I know Bruton Smith wont go for losing dates, so you will see Martinsville cannabalized for a date, and likely Darlington will be in danger. It may be business, but it sucks....

[Alexamateo]

They wont give a Cup date to Kentucky, and last time I looked, it wasn't anyone's imagination.



But Kentucky does have Busch and truck dates.

Chandler made the comment about there being rumors of a track just south of Memphis at the Tunica (MS) casinos. It's not a rumor, a group of investors applied for and got a zoning varience in 2003. However, not a single spade of earth has turned because no one wants to spend the money without a guarantee, and Nascar is not about to give any guarantees, especially to tracks that only exist on paper, if even that much.

My comment was about the construction industry as much as anything. I see lots of announcements of projects that never see the light of day (not just racing related) I think sometimes they are just hoping to get some additional investors on board.

http://memphis.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2004/01/05/story5.html?page=1

For me this excerpt is telling.



No less than eight track projects around the country have been proposed over the last few years, including tracks in New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans and Oklahoma. All have had zoning approval, all had approved budgets and none have been built because there is no guarantee of a race.
"It happens every year," Rittenberry says. "I'm not saying it's not going to happen, but based on other markets, it doesn't look like it's going to happen. $100 million is a lot of money and with that kind of money, you have to guarantee a NASCAR race and it doesn't work that way. They don't give you races until you fill a facility. And you can't fill a facility without guaranteed races."

[blakebeatty]

I fail to see how two races in Texas is better than one race in Rockingham for anyone. Save for the IndyCar races, Texas is pretty ho-hum.

Texas has produced some EXCELLENT races. You need only look as far back as the race there in the spring.

And have you seen these speedways? They are amazing! Truly worthy of two races! Rockingham was a dump, Texas Motor Speedway is immaculate. These places are geared for fans to take a holiday, spend the weekend, and have an experience. Dirt Tracks, Fan Zones, huge Souvenier alleys, Vendor relations, all of these add to the fan experience. Why would you not want to reward the facility that is willing to indulge the people that paid their hard earned money to attend.

I certainly wouldn't go to Loudon over Lowe's, for example...

[harvick#1]

cookie cutters are snooze fests. Texas is a Texas-sized snooze fest, same for Lowe's, California (oh god), Kansas, Chicago.

only Atlanta has survived as being the one good 1.5 mile track.

I would love to see Nascar add alot more Road Courses and Short Tracks :D

Watkins Glen has been the best race out of the year the past 2 years

Rockingham had character, something these Cookie Cutter tracks don't have. the tires were eaten away in 5 laps and it was a real drivers track

[tstran17_88]

Well, I had a feeling I knew that Pocono being close to NY might be a reason, and I know that they were loyal to NASCAR long before the explosion of popularity, but it still is a bit interesting how NASCAR through ISC has taken dates away from older venues that are ISC owned, yet non SMI or ISC tracks have been left alone. Of course, when the Mattoli family sells Pocono or gets out, then things might get REALLY interesting. I hope like Martinsville is always part of the picture, and I am tired of tracks being bought so second dates can be bought for boring cookie cutters. I like Bruton Smith, and I get why this is happening, but part of me will never like some of the venues we have lost.

The fact NASCAR hates lawsuits should be amended. IF fear of lawsuits was the reason, then they would have caved with Kentucky to avoid a lawsuit. No...it is much deeper than that I suspect. I just know that some tracks while packed to the roof are so-so spectacles for racing and I would love to see more tracks on the sched. It would allow to spread the "footprint" around anymore, but unfortunately, it will come at the expense of some ISC venues and SMI venues if it was allowed to come to fruition. I know Bruton Smith wont go for losing dates, so you will see Martinsville cannabalized for a date, and likely Darlington will be in danger. It may be business, but it sucks....Darlington should be safe. ISC is spending money on improvements. It's been sellling out the past two years. The only reason Martinsville was bought by ISC was to give the dates to Staten Island and Seattle...good thing the wonderful citizens of Staten Island don't want a track there. :)

[geek49203]

Darlington should be safe. ISC is spending money on improvements. It's been sellling out the past two years. The only reason Martinsville was bought by ISC was to give the dates to Staten Island and Seattle...good thing the wonderful citizens of Staten Island don't want a track there. :)

Seattle doesn't want a track either. And, given the soft demand for ticket sales for existing venues (I hear that 30k seats went unsold for the Daytona 500, and there were at least twice that unsold at Indy), as well as declining TV ratings, I don't expect NASCAR to push those new tracks (ditto for Denver too).

I do expect ISC to put some money into road racing tracks at places like Michigan (4 miles of old track that can be rennovated), thus giving them the ability to host more types of events.

[call_me_andrew]

Here's where I cry into deaf ears for Portland.

[Haulin'AssAndTurnin Left]

I really dont understand the new tracks. why do these people think it has to be a 1.5 mile D shaped oval to make money. Christ if i were goin to build a track i would look at what all the big races (the majors as the press call them now) have in common. they are all so different from each other. i would be looking at building a bigger bristol to seperate my track from the other 10 cookie cutter tracks.

as a fan i want to see something different each week. Not the same track but built in a different zip code.

[geek49203]

I really dont understand the new tracks. why do these people think it has to be a 1.5 mile D shaped oval to make money. Christ if i were goin to build a track i would look at what all the big races (the majors as the press call them now) have in common. they are all so different from each other. i would be looking at building a bigger bristol to seperate my track from the other 10 cookie cutter tracks.

as a fan i want to see something different each week. Not the same track but built in a different zip code.

A 1.5 mile cookie-cutter is a compromise that allows NASCAR as well as Indy cars to run on that track. It gives fans the action of a bigger oval, but costs less to build, and frees up space for exhibits, parking, camping, etc. No matter what you think about ISC, you gotta admit that they know how to milk every last penny from their tracks.

I still think that there is a shakeout of tracks happening, and this will continue over the coming 5-10 years. Rockingham, Nazareth, Ganassi's Chicago track, Hickory, North Wilkesboro and Pikes Peak have all died in the recent past, and I figure that a bunch more are on the "deep doo doo if we don't get a cup date" list. The Louisiana track is a horrible idea -- w/o a Cup date they're doomed.

Worse yet, I see the decline of NASCAR, and a cup date certainly won't mean as much revenue in another 5 years as it did 5 years ago. Places like MIS might be able to return to 2x50k crowds, but other venues will probably face bankruptcy.

So, who will by Rockingham? either a rich fool, or someone who knows how to make that track viable on club races and perhaps an Indy date.

[call_me_andrew]

And If I were to build a new track, I'd build a 1-1.5 mile asymetrical, low banked oval like Phoenix, Rockingham (UK), Motegi, or the apron at Darlington. Or I'd build a 2/3 mile, (variable) 15-17 degree banked short oval. You might get more fans if you try to offer them something different.

[Jonesi]

And If I were to build a new track, I'd build a 1-1.5 mile asymetrical, low banked oval like Phoenix, Rockingham (UK), Motegi, or the apron at Darlington. Or I'd build a 2/3 mile, (variable) 15-17 degree banked short oval. You might get more fans if you try to offer them something different.

I'd go with a slightly smaller Pocono.Two critical turns that that cars have to find a compromise to run, and emphasize driver ability. Straights shorter so they don't have the high revs that blow engines. (Low banking allows for better road course design(s) that would attract SCCA. PCA, Corvette clubs, etc)

[BobbyC]

Darlington should be safe. ISC is spending money on improvements. It's been sellling out the past two years. The only reason Martinsville was bought by ISC was to give the dates to Staten Island and Seattle...good thing the wonderful citizens of Staten Island don't want a track there. :)

If ISC is improving Darlington, then why did the track have to wait until they lost its pristine date in the Chase by court order? Imagine what would happen if the last race was the Southern 500, and you'd fight for the win over a day-to-night Darlington.

And Martinsville was sold to ISC because Mary Weatherford (one of two sisters who were partners in the track) died, and the Commonwealth of Virginia was going to double-tax the entire family estate after the deaths of both Clay Earles (who died in 1999) and his daughter Mary Weatherford (who died in 2004 shortly before the ISC sale). Their estate taxes would be heavy because of track ownership, and there was just one living owner in the Earles trust left, the sole living child of the Earles, Dorothy Campbell. Campbell's children operated the track.

The fact Dorothy Campbell and her children were responsible for paying too many estate taxes on both her father and her sister, and the Virginians who kept the estate tax high had made it impossible for the family to keep the track because of the estate tax on both federal and commonwealth levels.

Had taxation not cause it, the track would still be in the hands of Dorothy Campbell and her children.

[Mark in Oshawa]

The sad part of it all is that while I am all for NASCAR and ISC making money, they have sold out what was unique about NASCAR by putting too many races on the 1.5 to 2 mile oval. Bristol and Richmond both prove you can make a ton of money by putting over 100000 people around interesting short tracks. SMI has proven with Infineon that a road course can draw well as well, and they have spent a lot of money making it an road course that most oval fans can live with with great vista's and views. There is no reason to continue to build one boring oval (ones that require little apparent skill to drive from the stands). Short ovals or quirky ovals (ummm Rockingham? Phoenix) will always provide for good racing and be a challenge for the drivers. As for the fan, it is just up to the owners to apply what has been learned in building the fan zones and concourses. The Cookie cutter is a blight on the sport, and building to accomodate the IRL is a bit of a joke, because the reality is that OW racing can race anywhere, and a flat track often provides better racing for both the OW guys and NASCAR.

[tstran17_88]

If ISC is improving Darlington, then why did the track have to wait until they lost its pristine date in the Chase by court order? Imagine what would happen if the last race was the Southern 500, and you'd fight for the win over a day-to-night Darlington.Ummm...Darlington would not have had a 'chase' date had they kept the Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend. But as far as your question, you're asking the wrong person. You might want to ask the France family.

[tstran17_88]

And Martinsville was sold to ISC because Mary Weatherford (one of two sisters who were partners in the track) died, and the Commonwealth of Virginia was going to double-tax the entire family estate after the deaths of both Clay Earles (who died in 1999) and his daughter Mary Weatherford (who died in 2004 shortly before the ISC sale). Their estate taxes would be heavy because of track ownership, and there was just one living owner in the Earles trust left, the sole living child of the Earles, Dorothy Campbell. Campbell's children operated the track.

The fact Dorothy Campbell and her children were responsible for paying too many estate taxes on both her father and her sister, and the Virginians who kept the estate tax high had made it impossible for the family to keep the track because of the estate tax on both federal and commonwealth levels.

Had taxation not cause it, the track would still be in the hands of Dorothy Campbell and her children.I didn't know that was the reason it was sold, but I was referring to the reason why ISC bought it. I'm sure ISC didn't take it off their hands because of the compassion they felt towards the Earle family. :)

[tstran17_88]

The Cookie cutter is a blight on the sport, and building to accomodate the IRL is a bit of a joke, because the reality is that OW racing can race anywhere, and a flat track often provides better racing for both the OW guys and NASCAR.I've always enjoyed the IRL races at Chicagoland more so than the IRL races at the Milwaukee Mile. Closer finishes, more side-by-side racing. :)

[Mark in Oshawa]

I've always enjoyed the IRL races at Chicagoland more so than the IRL races at the Milwaukee Mile. Closer finishes, more side-by-side racing. :)

That is purely opinion, but as for NASCAR at Chicagoland, I don't watch. I find that sort of gentle banking, gentle trioval design just boring to watch. Show me racing on a track that is ornery. Pocono, Texas (because it is narrow and bumpy) Darlington and Atlanta are more fun to me. Short tracks and road race courses are my favourites, but Chicago, Kansas, Fontana, Vegas and Homestead have just not always turned my crank. Some of them have had good races, but I like to watch the cars struggle. I like to watch the drivers fight the track. It shouldn't be a smooth run where a loose car and a tight car are not visible to the naked and untrained eye. If the only way you can tell if a guy is struggling is by looking at the watch or the line he is taking, then maybe the track is too dull. When a guy is struggling at some of these other tracks, you can see him fighting the car, sawing at the wheel, grazing the wall....You can see the effort even if you had never seen a NASCAR race. THAT is the track that is entertaining at.....

[BobbyC]

The Fast Track High Performance Driving School, owned by (Indiana) Andy Hillenburg, has purchased the North Carolina Motor Speedway for $4 million.

He wants ARCA and NASCAR Grand National racing, and potentially Craftsman Truck Series racing, at the track, in addition to the numerous Sprint Cup testing sessions at the circuit and filming duties.

The North Carolina Motor Speedway was the home of the 2007 UPS "Race the Truck" commercials and was used in the Bollywood production "Ta Ra Rum Pum," playing the role of a fictious track in New York. "3: The Dale Earnhardt Story" also used the track, and Mr. Hillenburg provided the cars for the movie.

The Speed Road Tour Challenge final task also took place on the 1.017 mile oval, where Jim Clark raced his only Cup race in 1967.

[muggle not]

Good, glad to see it sell. Hopefully they will get some racing at the Rock.

On a similar note I hear that there is some talk going on about North Wilkesboro with some interest.

[call_me_andrew]

Questions:

1. Where did Andy Hillenberg get $4 million?
2. $4 million? Bruton Smith wants 3 times that for North Wilkesboro!

[muggle not]

Questions:

1. Where did Andy Hillenberg get $4 million?
2. $4 million? Bruton Smith wants 3 times that for North Wilkesboro!
And that may be why the Rock sold and Bruton is still looking.

[Haulin'AssAndTurnin Left]

Check out that Ta Ra Rum Pum.

http://nowrunning.com/video/?t=1610&lang=HINDI

Looks funny as hell, i aint got a clue what they are saying
but it looks like the Indian Days of Thunder but with added dancing and an even more ludicrous storyline.

LOL

[RaceFanStan]

The Rock had some exciting racing & most of us older fans liked the track.
Even if Cup racing doesn't return, NASCAR should look at running CTS & NBS races there. :D
The Rock has a NASCAR history that needs to be preserved IMO. :D :up:

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/opinion/10/02/jmenzer.rockingham.auction/index.html

(BTW, $4 million is a really cheap price !) :eek:

[beachgirl]

I'm just extremely happy that a racetrack which was for sale did NOT go to a developer for house farms for a change. So many are lost because the land gets sold for the "highest and best use". How I hate that real estate term. Anyway, this track remains a track. Finally.

[Haulin'AssAndTurnin Left]

(BTW, $4 million is a really cheap price !) :eek:


Thats what makes me think there isnt a chance in hell that a NBS or CTS race will be held there. If there was wouldnt it sell for alot more?

[RaceFanStan]

It was sold at an auction, I'm thinking the buyer got a bargain ... :D

[Sparky1329]

It was sold at an auction, I'm thinking the buyer got a bargain ... :D

I'll say he did. Rockingham always provided great races. I hope it will again soon.

[Jonesi]

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/columns/story?seriesId=2&columnist=mcgee_ryan&id=3047017

[jeffconn]

244 acres for $4.4 million? Wow! Good news all around. Who needs more unsold condos?

While i don't expect NASCAR's top 3 series to return to the Rock any time soon, there are still plenty of series that could race there.

NASCAR Busch East/Southern Mods
ARCA Stock Cars/Trucks
USAR Hooters
ASA
IRL
USAC Sprints
and probably tons of other regional series.

[jeffconn]

244 acres for $4.4 million? Wow! Good news all around. Who needs more unsold condos?

While i don't expect NASCAR's top 3 series to return to the Rock any time soon, there are still plenty of series that could race there.

NASCAR Busch East/Southern Mods
ARCA Stock Cars/Trucks
USAR Hooters Pro
ASA
IRL/Indy Pro
USAC Silver Crown
and probably tons of other regional series.

[RaceFanStan]

The "Rock" offered some good racing over the years ...
I think the Craftsman Truck Series should look at going there ...
The Craftsman Truck Series goes to several short tracks that aren't on the Cup Schedule ...
The "Rock" would be a good fit for the Craftsman Truck Series IMO ! :D :up:

[Mark in Oshawa]

The Rock is a great facility, and if it was anywhere but an hour or so south of Charlotte, it might still have its Cup Dates. I hope they put the trucks in there at least, for it deserves to be the host for races that do the track justice. Hooter's Pro Cup, and NASCAR regional series might be options as well, but lets just face the reality that this facility is part of NASCAR's history and hosted large crowds for years in the Grand National days as well into the Winston Cup, and only the CTS is a series that comes close in stature to that history. ARCA would be a good bet as well now that I think of it........

[BobbyC]

The ARCA Re/Max Series will offer a 500-kilometer race at Rockingham Speedway (NC) May 4, 2008.

The three-day race meet will feature ARCA's largest starting field and purse, with a 50-car starting field for the race, which is expected to go 306 laps of the 1,637-meter oval.

The schedule calls for Friday practice, Saturday morning first-round qualifying, Saturday afternoon second-round qualifying and final practice, and Sunday will be the race, tentatively set for 12 noon (but probably will be later, especially if Speed wants it for television, where it could be 12:30 or 1).

[Jonesi]

Interesting timing, Cup races at Richmond the night before. Could have a few Cup drivers that still want to race there.

[RaikkonenRules]

Good on Hillenburg to get the Rock back up and running. :up: I've never seen a race there as I only got into NASCAR half way trough 2004.

[muggle not]

It is good to see that there will be some racing at the Rock. I really hope that Hillenburg get make a go of it. Heck, I may scoot down the road and see the race.

[Sparky1329]

Atta boy Andy! If I lived closer to NC I'd be there.

[Galveston dunes]

Thanks Bobby I'll be sure to keep tabs on that date. I sure to have a day to squeeze through there.

[jeffconn]

Sorry if this has posted before, but it's more good news for fans of the Rock.

Rockingham Speedway will host the 2008 season finale of the Hooters Pro Cup. The American 200 (for the American 500, the original name for the Rock's fall NASCAR Cup event) will be on Nov. 1, 2008.
http://www.usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2548

FYI, in 2008, these former and current NASCAR tracks will also host Hooter's Pro Cup events:
Bristol, TN
Myrtle Beach, SC
Milwaukee Mile, WI
South Boston, VA
Hickory, NC
Mansfield, OH

The 2008 schedule is here:
http://www.usarprocup.com/view_article.asp?id=2541

[BobbyC]

The Hooters ProCup could be called the Race to the Rock. Now that's a good old racing situation, and I wouldn't be surprised if Mark Martin decides to drive a JR Motorsports Impala at that race. Junior has a ProCup team.