Ben Rhodes (41) and Brandon Jones (33) battle during a late model stock car race at Rockingham Speedway in 2013. The planned return to racing at Rockingham Speedway has been postponed from March 6 to Oct. 30. (Adam Fenwick Photo)
Ben Rhodes (41) and Brandon Jones (33) battle during a late model stock car race at Rockingham Speedway in 2013. The planned return to racing at Rockingham Speedway has been postponed from March 6 to Oct. 30. (Adam Fenwick Photo)
Touring Late Models

Rockingham CARS Tour Race Moved To October

December 24, 2020

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – The return of racing to North Carolina’s Rockingham Speedway will have to wait a little bit longer.

Following a pair of tire tests the last two weeks at the 1.017-mile asphalt oval featuring CARS Late Model Stock Tour regulars Timothy Peters, Layne Riggs and Jared Fryar, track officials announced Thursday that the planned race at the track has been moved from March 6 to Oct. 30.

The abrasive Rockingham Speedway surface proved a bit too abrasive during tire testing, leading CARS Tour officials to install restrictor plates in Tuesday’s most recent test in an attempt to improve tire wear.

However, event promoters Mike Stodder and Charlie Hansen announced Thursday in a joint statement that rather then use restrictor plates, they’ve decided to ask Hoosier Tire to develop a new tire that will work better with the Rockingham Speedway surface.

The CARS Late Model Stock Tour event is scheduled to be the first race of any kind held on the Rockingham Speedway oval since a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at the track on April 13, 2013.

Below is the statement from Stodder and Hansen regarding the postponement:

“We’ve had a lot of discussion with all involved over the last several days since concluding our second tire test this past Tuesday, Dec. 22. It has been determined, in the best interest of competitors and fans, the best way forward is to develop a new tire for the Rockingham surface.

“If we moved forward in March with what we currently have, we’d potentially have to change tires twice during a 75-lap race, and that is not good for the racers, from an expense standpoint, or for the fans as far as seeing a good show. We are dedicated in providing a great experience for both the competitors and the race fans!

“With that said, we are postponing the March 6 show and have rescheduled it for Saturday Oct. 30. By moving this date, it gives us the necessary time to work closely with Hoosier Tire and the CARS Tour, in developing and testing this new tire compound. This needs to be done. It is important for us to have a tire, not only for this race, but for races at Rockingham in the future. The safety of the competitors, and the enjoyment of the event by fans, will always take priority.

“I think we’re all disappointed that we’ll have to wait a little longer to see racing at Rockingham, but this short delay will make things better overall for the future of this storied facility.

“Special thanks to Dan Lovenheim, and the entire Rockingham Properties LLC team, for the dedication and flexibility to make this event happen. More information about the race, practice dates, ticket sales, etc. will be released mid-summer.

“We want to thank everyone for the overwhelming response in bringing racing back to Rockingham. It has been nothing short of spectacular and we sincerely appreciate all the kind words and support.”