Huge Grant Fuels Historic NHRA Nationals at Rockingham Dragway

There is some incredible news coming out of Richmond County that is going to make every gearhead’s heart beat a little faster. Rockingham Dragway, known as “The Rock,” is gearing up to host the NHRA Nationals this September, and the state is stepping up in a big way to make sure it’s a show we’ll never forget.

A Historic Moment for the NHRA Nationals

For the first time in the track’s storied history, Rockingham Dragway will host an NHRA points event. This isn’t just an exhibition. This is the real deal. The NHRA Nationals coming to this track represents a massive milestone for a venue that has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the decades.

Getting a major sanctioning body like the NHRA to bring a points event to town is no small feat. It requires world-class facilities, a dedicated team, and a community ready to embrace the chaos and speed.

It signals that “The Rock” isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving. For fans who have stuck by this track through thick and thin, seeing the NHRA Nationals on the schedule feels like a victory before the cars even fire their engines.

State Support Turbocharges the Event

Now, hosting an event of this magnitude isn’t cheap. It takes serious capital to prepare a facility for the fastest cars on the planet. That’s where the state of North Carolina has come in clutch. The state is backing the event with a massive grant of up to $1.5 million from the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund.

Think of this fund as a high-performance fuel additive for the local economy. Established by the North Carolina General Assembly, the fund is designed to attract events that pull visitors across state lines. The money is generated by taxes on legal sports gambling, so, in a way, placing a bet on the game helps keep racing alive at the Rock.

The grant is set up to cover 50% of qualifying expenses, helping the track owners offset the massive costs of hosting. The City of Rockingham has stepped up to the plate as the fiduciary, approving the agreement and ensuring the funds flow where they need to go. It’s a beautiful example of local government and private enterprise working together for the love of the sport.

Renovations and the Fan Experience at the NHRA Nationals

Track owners Dan VanHorn and Al Gennarelli aren’t just sitting back and waiting for the check to clear. These guys are racers at heart, and they are pouring serious sweat equity and financial investment into the facility.

They are investing heavily in renovations to ensure the dragway is polished and ready for the spotlight. When the NHRA Nationals roll into town, they are expecting a crowd of 30,000 to 40,000 spectators. That’s a sea of fans, families, and racing die-hards descending on Rockingham.

The goal isn’t just to have a race; it’s to create an experience. From the grandstands to the pits, the upgrades are aimed at making sure every single person who buys a ticket walks away with a memory. Whether it’s your first time seeing a top fuel car or your hundredth, the energy at the Rock this September is going to be electric.

Economic Impact of the NHRA Nationals

We talk a lot about the cars, but we can’t ignore what this means for the people of Richmond County. When 40,000 people come to town, they need places to sleep, food to eat, and gas for their cars.

This event is going to be a massive shot of adrenaline for local businesses. Hotels will be booked solid, diners will be flipping pancakes nonstop, and the local economy will feel the love. It’s expected that the NHRA Nationals will generate significant tourism dollars, strengthening the region’s travel and hospitality sectors. It’s proof that motorsports isn’t just a hobby; it’s a vital economic engine for North Carolina.

Looking Beyond September

The excitement doesn’t stop when the tire smoke clears in September. The dragway is also scheduled to host the NHRA Lucas Oil Double Divisionals in late October. This one-two punch of events solidifies Rockingham Dragway as a premier destination for motorsports in the South.

For years, people have talked about the “glory days” of racing at the Rock. But with the NHRA Nationals on the calendar and millions being invested into the facility, I think it’s safe to say we aren’t looking in the rearview mirror anymore. The best days might just be right in front of us. So, grab your earplugs and mark your calendars. The NHRA is coming to Rockingham.