History Comes Alive: ARCA Menards Series East Returns to Hickory Motor Speedway
If walls could talk, the concrete retaining walls at Hickory Motor Speedway would have one hell of a story to tell. They would whisper about the grit of Ned Jarrett, the determination of Ralph Earnhardt, and the raw, unpolished talent that Junior Johnson brought to the asphalt. For decades, this 0.363-mile bullring has been the proving ground for stock car racing’s elite, a cathedral of speed where legends are forged in tire smoke and short tempers. On March 28, 2026, a new chapter gets written.
In a move that feels both long overdue and perfectly timed, the ARCA Menards Series East is finally coming to the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.” It isn’t just another date on a calendar; it is a homecoming for the sport’s soul. For the first time, the rising talents of the East Series will battle for 150 laps around this hallowed ground, chasing the ghosts of the giants who came before them.
The Legacy of Hickory Motor Speedway
You can’t talk about stock car racing in the Carolinas without paying reverence to Hickory. Since the gates first opened in 1951, this track has demanded respect. It’s tight, it’s fast, and it doesn’t suffer fools gladly. The surface is worn and seasoned, much like the veterans who mastered it.
ARCA President Ron Drager understands the weight of this moment. Looking at the timeline, Hickory Motor Speeday opened for business in 1951. ARCA ran its first race in 1953. These two entities have grown up alongside each other, parallel lines of history that are finally intersecting after more than seven decades.
“Considering the tradition, history, and longevity of Hickory Motor Speedway and ARCA, it’s especially meaningful to welcome Hickory Motor Speedway to the ARCA Menards Series East schedule in 2026,” Drager noted. “Hickory Motor Speedway’s legacy is unparalleled, and the number of drivers who have had success there and have gone on to success in the NASCAR national series numbers in the dozens.”
It is a sentiment that rings true for anyone who has ever sat in those grandstands on a Saturday night. The air here feels different. It’s thick with the memories of 35 NASCAR Cup Series races held between 1953 and 1971. When the green flag drops in 2026, the young guns of the ARCA Menards Series East won’t just be racing each other; they will be racing against the standards set by Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Bobby Isaac.
A New Challenge for the East Series
For the drivers, this race represents a unique challenge. Modern tracks often prioritize aerodynamics and engineering, but Hickory Motor Speedway is an old-school brawler. It puts the race back in the driver’s hands. You can’t hide behind wind tunnel data here. To win at Hickory, you need rhythm, patience, and the courage to use the bumper when the laps wind down.
Bob Sargent, president of Track Enterprises, sees the excitement building already. The region around Hickory Motor Speedway is the heartbeat of stock car racing, and bringing a touring series of this caliber to such an intimate venue is a recipe for electricity.
“It’s going to be a big start to spring for racing fans in and around the entire area,” Sargent said. “We’ve had a great response to the ASA STARS National Tour races at Hickory the last three years, and with the number of ARCA teams based in the area, we believe we’ll have a strong turnout of teams, cars, and fans.”
This isn’t just about the drivers, though. It’s about the crews. With so many teams based in the surrounding North Carolina hubs, this is a home game. Families, friends, and shop employees who usually watch on TV will be packing the stands, adding a layer of personal stakes to the event.
Why This Date Matters
March 28, 2026, at Hickory Motor Speedway will be more than a race. It will be a celebration of survival and evolution. Short tracks across America are fighting to stay relevant, but Hickory stands tall, a testament to the enduring appeal of bumper-to-bumper action. The list of winners at this track reads like a Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
From the early days of Tim Flock and Tiny Lund to the modern era of the Xfinity Series (then the Busch Series), where legends like Dale Jarrett and Bobby Labonte cut their teeth, victory lane here is sacred ground. Even Ed Berrier, who took the final checkered flag for the series here in 1998, holds a special place in that lineage. Now, a new name waits to be carved into those history books.
Final Thoughts
The complete schedule is still being finalized, and support divisions will be announced later, but the headline is clear. The ARCA Menards Series East is heading to the toughest little track in the world. For the fans who love the smell of high-octane fuel and the sound of engines echoing off the Carolina hills, 2026 can’t get here soon enough. Get your tickets, mark your calendars, and prepare for history. Hickory Motor Speedway is calling.
