ROCKINGHAM – While the roar of engines may quiet during the winter months, the pace at Rockingham Dragway hardly slows down.
According to co-owner Dan VanHorn, the off-season is often the busiest time of the year, filled with renovations, planning, and preparation that simply can’t happen when the track is hosting races nearly every weekend.
“This is our fourth off-season since we’ve taken over the track,” VanHorn said. “Every year during the off-season, we do renovations in preparation for the following season, because there are a lot of things you can’t do during the season.”
Outside of a brief six-to-seven-week winter break, the dragway typically operates almost year-round. That narrow window creates an opportunity for crews to go “full steam ahead” on larger projects, maintenance work, and facility improvements.
Currently, some of that work includes tearing up sections of the concrete racing surface to make modifications and improve drainage, a project that recently gained widespread attention to social media. Photos shared by the track reached hundreds of thousands of viewers within a single day.
“People love renovations and love seeing upgrades to a historic track,” VanHorn said. “We definitely do our best to promote what we’re doing so people know what to look forward to when the season starts back up.”
The facility, which opened in 1969, requires ongoing care and modernization to remain competitive. VanHorn says that mindset has been central since purchasing the track in November 2022.
“Before we took ownership, the off-season didn’t even closely resemble this,” VanHorn said. “Now our mentality is that this is when we really push forward. We probably work harder during the off-season than during the season.”
But physical improvements are only part of the workload. The off-season also involves extensive behind-the-scenes operations, including sponsor renewals, securing new partnerships, graphic design for promotional materials, scheduling, and long-term event planning. Staff members also attend racing conventions to promote upcoming events and host awards banquets recognizing season champions.
Maintaining engagement with fans remains a major priority, even when racing pauses. The track reports nearly two million online impressions in a recent month, reflecting steady community interest.
“Even though it’s the off-season, it’s not slowing down,” VanHorn said. “People are paying attention, and we take pride in making sure everyone knows what’s coming.”
Looking ahead, the most anticipated milestone is the return of a major national event. The NHRA will bring back nitro racing to Rockingham Dragway for the first time in more than 25 years, one of only about 20 such events held worldwide.
“Everything we’re doing right now is in preparation for that event,” VanHorn said. “But it helps all of us and improves the entire facility.”
In addition to the national spotlight, several new and legacy events are scheduled for the upcoming season, further strengthening the track’s regional draw and long-term growth.
While fans may only see the finished product when gates reopen, the off-season tells a different story, one defined by steady momentum, long hours, and strategic investment aimed at keeping “The Rock” running at full speed year after year.