Now that Commissioner Don Bryant’s lengthy campaign to change Richmond County’s motto has been successful, I have a few thoughts.

No. 1, I am a little disappointed that the new motto isn’t “Welcome to Richmond County — the Heart of the Carolinas and Proud Home of Rockingham Dragway.”

After all, for almost 20 years, visitors to our area have been greeted by signs that proclaim Richmond County to be the “Proud Home of Rockingham Dragway and Rockingham Speedway.” It’s a nod to a motorsports history that, despite Commissioner Bryant’s statements, remains exceedingly strong.

Quite frankly, I was a little perplexed when the commissioner characterized Rockingham Speedway as “moribund,” a $100 word that means “dying,” while neglecting to even mention the dragstrip and its positive impact in the 25 years since we were able to transform it from a track that hosted two races a season to one that now produced 90.

[Editor’s note: The word “moribund” was used by the reporter to describe the speedway and was not a direct quote from Bryant.]

Although the oval track, in its heyday, was justifiably the center of attention, it has been a little frustrating to be overshadowed the past 10 years by a “moribund” neighbor that has done little more than suck up close to a million dollars in private and public money in a futile attempt to remain viable. That money, unfortunately, is just gone.

Meanwhile, Rockingham Dragway was hosted racers, race teams and race fans from the 50 United States, five Canadian provinces, Mexico, Sweden, Finland, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Puerto Rico, Aruba and Australia; has actively promoted Richmond County and all that it has to offer; and, instead of squandering hundreds of thousands, has worked tirelessly to re-invest in community.

Despite all those slights, both real and perceived, Rockingham Dragway is proud to have a home in Richmond County, the Heart of the Carolinas. Come and see us. We’re at home every week.

Steve Earwood is owner of Rockingham Dragway.

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Steve Earwood

Guest Columnist