Rockingham City Manager Monty Crump and Deputy County Manager Rick Sago make their livings leading the functions of the city and county government.

On Saturday, both men will be doing a different kind of leading. Their focus will shift temporarily from budgets and the other intricacies of local government to bringing the fields to the green flag at the Rockingham Speedway for the running of the Cheerwine Cherry Bomb 200.

Crump will be driving the McBrayer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Dodge Charger on the pace laps for the first race of the Cheerwine Cherry Bomb 200 —  the 100 lapper run by Frank Kimmel’s Street Stock Nationals.

“I am very honored to be a part of this event at the Rockingham Speedway,” said Crump. “I’m sure Andy (Hillenburg) and his staff have put together a great event for the fans and the Rockingham Speedway has always hosted some great racing action. It’ll be a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July.”

Sago will pace the field for the second half of the event, leading the ASA Late Models to the green flag.

“It’s an honor to have been asked to drive the pace car at the Rockingham Speedway,” said Sago. “I, like most people in Richmond County, am so happy that racing has returned to the Rockingham Speedway. I am very appreciative of Andy Hillenburg for what he has done and am looking forward to the Cherry Bomb 200.”

The Cheerwine Cherry Bomb 200 is a double header race featuring Frank Kimmel’s Street Stock Nationals and the ASA Late Model Series. The street stocks take the green flag at 10 a.m. for 100 laps with the late models rolling off for their 100 laps when they finish. Practice and qualifying for both events will take place on Friday beginning at 11a.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults with children under 12 admitted free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Admission is free for events at the speedway on Friday. For more information or to order tickets, please contact the speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com