NitroFest 2026

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — The countdown is on for one of the biggest weekends in motorsports history in North Carolina, and it all begins in downtown Rockingham.

The City of Rockingham, Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and Rockingham Dragway are proud to announce NitroFest, a free community celebration on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. around Harrington Square in downtown Rockingham.

NitroFest will officially kick off the inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock, marking the first-ever NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national points event to be contested at historic Rockingham Dragway. The three-day national event, scheduled for September 25-27, 2026, will serve as the second of six races in NHRA's Countdown to the Championship playoffs, bringing the stars of NHRA Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle to Rockingham, North Carolina, as championship contenders battle for valuable playoff points.

Before engines roar down the quarter-mile, fans will have the opportunity to celebrate with an unforgettable evening in downtown Rockingham.

Country music trailblazer Colt Ford will headline the evening with a free concert beginning at 7:45 p.m., following autograph and meet-and-greet sessions with some of NHRA's biggest stars from 6:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.

NitroFest will also feature:

• NHRA driver autograph sessions and meet-and-greets
• Motorsports and automotive vendors and displays
• Race cars on display
• A free Kids Zone featuring bounce houses, inflatable slides, a rock climbing wall and face painting
• Food trucks serving a variety of local favorites
• A beer garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway
• NHRA, team and event merchandise
• A drag racing practice tree competition
• Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences celebrating the return of nitro-powered racing to The Rock

Admission is free, making NitroFest the perfect opportunity for families, race fans and visitors to experience the excitement of NHRA while enjoying an evening of entertainment, food and community fellowship in the heart of downtown Rockingham.

The NHRA Nationals at The Rock is expected to attract thousands of competitors, crew members and fans from across the country, generating a significant economic impact for Richmond County while showcasing the area's hospitality, attractions and vibrant downtown.

Whether you're a lifelong drag racing enthusiast or experiencing NHRA for the first time, NitroFest offers something for everyone.

Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Harrington Square
111 E. Washington Street
Rockingham, NC

Then experience history as the NHRA Nationals at The Rock take over Rockingham Dragway September 25-27, 2026, for the first NHRA national points event ever held at one of drag racing's most legendary venues.

For event information, lodging opportunities and everything happening throughout NHRA Nationals weekend, visit VisitRichmondCounty.com and RockinghamDragway.com.

Secure your seats here: https://nhra.evenue.net/list/RN1

The event is designed to be affordable for the entire family:

• Kids 12 and under receive FREE General Admission.
• Children 12 and under can also purchase reserved seats for just $25 in non-premium seating locations.
• Every event ticket includes pit access, giving fans the opportunity to get just feet away from their favorite NHRA drivers and race cars throughout the weekend.
• Free parking is available for all spectators.
• Active military, veterans, and first responders are eligible for special discounted ticket pricing through GOVX at: https://offers.govx.com/event/offers/

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2025) – Following a sellout weekend for NASCAR’s celebrated return to Rockingham Speedway, the newly unveiled NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR

CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will return to the venerable Richmond County oval April 3-4, 2026.

“We’re thrilled NASCAR took notice of all the incredible support we received both during and following the North Carolina Education 250 presented by Black’s Tire and the Black’s Tire 200 and chose to include

Rockingham Speedway on the 2026 schedule,” said Track Enterprises President, Bob Sargent, the official NASCAR event promoter at Rockingham Speedway. “We knew people in Richmond County and

the surrounding areas were passionate, but the enthusiasm and turnout exceeded everyone’s expectations. We’re eager to welcome the fans back and build on a new Easter Weekend tradition.”

The NASCAR Xfinity Series, which will transition its entitlement-naming rights to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026, was a fixture at the historic venue from 1982-2004. Former winners include a

cast of the sport’s most recognizable names including David Pearson, Sam Ard, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Harry Gant, Mark Martin, Terry Labonte and Jamie McMurray.

Martin was an indomitable force at Rockingham in Xfinity Series competition throughout his career having

collected 11 wins in 25 starts, including four straight during the 1996 and 1997 seasons. McMurray matched Martin’s four-peat by recording four wins in a row from 2002-2004.

Iowa native Sammy Smith earned the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire victory for JR Motorsports following the division’s return to the iconic oval to become the 24th different

winner in series history at the storied facility.

The Black’s Tire 200 marked the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series third visit to Rockingham Speedway with 24-year-old Tyler Ankrum taking the checkered flag.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Ticket holders and campers from the 2025 event will have access to exclusive pre-sale opportunities before tickets are released for sale to

the general public. Race fans can log on to RacetheRock.com for continuing details and updates.

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About Rockingham Speedway …

Located in Richmond County, N.C., Rockingham Speedway opened as a flat, one-mile oval on Oct. 31, 1965. It was reconfigured to a one-mile (1.017 miles) high-banked, D-shaped oval in 1969 and currently

measures 0.94-miles in length. On Nov. 18, 2021, N.C., Governor Roy Cooper signed the 2021-2022 North Carolina state budget allocating $9 million to support reinvestment in the facility. The state funds,

along with additional investments, allowed for redevelopment of the racetrack including the racing surface and extensive repairs.

About Track Enterprises …

Track Enterprises has been promoting motorsports events since 1985. Based in Macon, Ill., a dedicated staff, led by longtime promoter Bob Sargent, organize and promote upwards of 80 races a year across the

eastern half of the United States. Track Enterprises was responsible for the highly-acclaimed return of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series to the Rockingham Speedway in 2025.

Thursday Plaza Jam is the 1st Thursday of the month's May-October on Cole Plaza (514 Rockingham Road) from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.