ROCKINGHAM – Racing enthusiasts will have the chance to see some of NASCAR’s fastest drivers take to the track at Rockingham Speedway before the Easter weekend event. Track Enterprises, the official promoter for NASCAR events at the historic Richmond County oval, has announced a two-day organizational test for the Craftsman Truck Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan 27, and Wednesday, Jan 28.
Admission is free, and fans attending the test days can enjoy food trucks and refreshments on site. While a full roster of participating teams has not been released, it is expected that several top drivers from both series will be on hand. The test offers teams a chance to fine-tune their cars and trucks ahead of the spring races, giving spectators a rare behind-the-scenes look at professional stock-car racing in action.
Last year’s preseason test produced some impressive numbers, with multiple drivers topping 160 mph around the one-mile oval. Ty Majeski recorded the fastest lap at 166.567 mph, followed closely by Kaden Honeycutt at 164.047 mph. Corey Day also posted strong numbers, reaching over 162 mph in the car test and nearly matching that in his truck. The previous season’s pole winners included Jake Garcia in the Black’s Tire 200 and Carson Kvapil in the North Carolina Education Lottery 250, setting the stage for exciting competition on race day.
Although the ARCA Menards Series East will not participate in this test, that series did hold a private tire session at Rockingham in mid-November. The upcoming NASCAR weekend, scheduled for April 3-4, will once again feature the Truck Series 200-lap race and the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 lap race, with sponsorship from Black’s TIre and the North Carolina Education Lottery. Tickets for the races are available online at racetherock.com and will also be sold at the track during test days.
Track Enterprises emphasizes that these organizational tests are a key part of preparation for the teams. Drivers and crew members use the sessions to adjust setups, evaluate track conditions, and coordinate strategies before the season’s official events. For fans, it’s a unique opportunity to see the cars and trucks up close and get a feel for the speed and skill involved in NASCAR competition.
Rockingham Speedway has seen significant upgrades in recent years, including a repaving project in 2022 and facility improvements funded in part through state initiatives. The track, originally opened in 1965, has long been a staple of North Carolina motorsports, hosting countless legendary races and drivers over the decades. Its return to the NASCAR schedule in recent years has brought renewed excitement to both the local community and racing fans across the region.
With the Easter weekend races approaching, anticipation is building. The two-day test not only helps teams prepare for the spring events but also allows fans to witness the intensity and precision of professional stock-car racing firsthand. Whether you’re a longtime follower of NASCAR or new to the sport, the upcoming sessions at Rockingham offer an accessible, free way to experience high-speed racing before the green flag drops this spring.