The Rock is back, and NASCAR fans have been counting down the days. After more than a decade of absence, Rockingham Speedway returns to the NASCAR schedule this weekend, hosting both the Xfinity and Truck Series while the Cup Series enjoys its only off-weekend of the 2025 season. This historic return marks the first NASCAR National Series event at the track since Kyle Larson’s Truck Series victory in 2013, and the first Xfinity Series race since Jamie McMurray’s win in 2004.
The 1.017-mile D-shaped oval, affectionately known as “The Rock,” opened in 1965 and quickly became a fan favorite with its unique configuration. The track features distinct banking that challenges drivers like few others on the circuit – 22 degrees in turns 1 and 2, a steeper 25 degrees in turns 3 and 4, and 8 degrees in the straightaways. The revival of Rockingham Speedway follows a similar path to North Wilkesboro Speedway’s comeback, representing more than just racing for the local community.
After years of lying dormant, the track underwent significant renovations to prepare for NASCAR’s return. Both series held winter testing sessions at the track, but many unknowns remain as teams prepare for competition on the challenging surface.
How the action-packed Rockingham weekend will Rock
This weekend marks the 10th points-paying event of the 2025 NASCAR season for the Xfinity Series, with action beginning Friday as the Truck Series takes center stage. Practice kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET on FS2, followed by qualifying at 1:30 p.m. ET, also on FS2. The main event – the Black’s Tire 200 – begins at 5:00 p.m. ET with broadcast coverage switching to FS1 and the NASCAR Radio Network. Truck Series competitors will battle across 200 laps, totalling 188 miles, with stage breaks after laps 45 and 90.
Rockingham
ET
Friday
10:30-ARCA East prac
12:30-FS2-Truck p&q
3:05-CW App-Xfin prac
5-FS1-Trucks 45-45-110
Saturday
9:30-ARCA East p&q
11:30-CW App-Xfin qualifying
1-Flo-ARCA East 125
4-CW-Xfinity 60-60-130
NWS: 80s, 5% rain
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 16, 2025
The Xfinity Series joins the party Friday afternoon with practice at 3:05 p.m. ET available on The CW App. Saturday’s schedule intensifies with Xfinity qualifying at 11:30 a.m. ET, also on The CW App, setting the stage for the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire at 4:00 p.m. ET. The CW television network and MRN Radio will broadcast this highly anticipated race featuring 250 laps covering 235 miles. Stage breaks will occur after laps 60 and 120.
Weather update for Kasey Kahne’s Comeback
Weather forecasts look promising for racing action with Friday featuring a high of 78°F with minimal 3% chance of precipitation and winds between 9-14 mph with gusts up to 23 mph. Saturday appears even warmer with temperatures reaching 83°F, though a slightly higher 20% chance of precipitation exists during race time. Still, conditions should be ideal for racing on Rockingham’s notoriously abrasive surface.
Lineup of Racers behind the Wheel
The entry lists feature several notable names, including Kasey Kahne, making his NASCAR return in the #33 Xfinity car. This marks Kahne’s first NASCAR start since 2018 and first Xfinity Series race since 2017. The former Cup Series runner-up and Truck Series winner at Rockingham Speedway will rely on his previous experience to navigate the challenging track. Other notable Xfinity entries include Patrick Emerling, Justin Bonsignore, Katherine Legge, Greg Van Alst, Vicente Salas, Thomas Annunziata, Dawson Cram, Austin Green, and Josh Bilicki.
In the Truck Series, fans will see familiar names including Sammy Smith in the #07, Brandon Jones in the #1, Stephen Mallozzi in the #2, veteran Norm Benning in the #6, Parker Kligerman in the #75, and Justin Carroll in the #90. The competition will be fierce as drivers face the unknown challenges of the revived track.
The weekend also features ARCA Menards Series East action with practices on Friday and Saturday, qualifying Saturday morning, and a 125-lap race at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, available on FloRacing. This provides a full slate of racing across multiple series for fans attending the historic weekend.
Do not miss out on the live coverage
For viewers at home, several options exist to catch the action. Truck Series practice, qualifying, and race will air on FS2 and FS1, while the Xfinity Series events will be broadcast on The CW App and network television. All events are also available through Fubo’s streaming service. Radio coverage comes via the NASCAR Radio Network, MRN, and SiriusXM channels.
With the 40-car Xfinity field and 35-truck Craftsman Truck Series lineup preparing to tackle the challenging Rockingham surface, this weekend represents more than just two races—it’s the revival of a beloved venue that many thought might never host NASCAR competition again. Hopefully, this trend of historic tracks returning to NASCAR continues moving forward.
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