ROCKINGHAM – Rockingham Dragway is preparing to host the NHRA Nationals at the Rock this September, marking the track’s first NHRA points event in it’s history. The state of North Carolina is supporting the event with a grant of up to $1.5 million from the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund.
The fund, established by the North Carolina General Assembly, aims to stimulate economic activity by attracting events that bring out-of-state visitors to the state, strengthening travel and tourism. Funding comes from taxes on legal sports gambling, and grants are awarded based on qualifying expenses, with the grants covering 50% of those costs. The actual grant amount is adjusted if expenses fall below the $3 million threshold, and all spending must be verified through a certified public accountant compliance audit.
The grant requires sponsorship from a local government entity, which acts as the fiduciary. In this case, the City of Rockingham has approved the agreement, allowing qualifying expenses to begin once the grant is in place.
Track owners Dan VanHorn and Al Gennarelli are investing heavily in renovations at the dragway ahead of the NHRA Nationals, which is expected to attract 30,000 to 40,000 spectators. This investment builds on prior experience securing state grants for major motorsports events, including NASCAR races at Rockingham Speedway.
In addtion to the NHRA Nationals, the dragway is scheduled to host the NHRA Lucas Oil Double Divisionals in late October, solidifying its position as a growing destination for motorsports in North Carolina. The series of events is expected to bring significant economic activity to the region through tourism, hospitiality, and local business spending.