The thunderous symphony of engines echoed through Rockingham Speedway for the first time in decades, awakening dormant memories of NASCAR’s golden era. While most Cup Series drivers took advantage of the Easter weekend break for beach getaways and family time, one young racer found himself drawn to “The Rock” like a racing pilgrim returning to hallowed ground. Parked in the infield sat a rare sight – one of only 1,333 Silverado Intimidator SS trucks ever produced. A rolling tribute to Dale Earnhardt Sr. that had become the talk of the garage over two consecutive race weekends.
The truck’s owner, Carson Hocevar – already building a reputation as NASCAR’s newest provocateur had arrived not as a competitor but as a spectator. After fulfilling the broadcasting duties the previous day in the FOX booth, calling the Truck Series race. The 22-year-old Spire Motorsports driver’s presence at the historic North Carolina track spoke volumes about his reverence for the sport’s traditions.
Rockingham’s Pull Stronger Than Beach Vacation
“I don’t have a lot of fun going to beaches and, you know, besides maybe girls, but other than that, this is where I have most fun anyways,” Hocevar candidly admitted when asked why he chose Rockingham over typical vacation destinations. The 2024 Rookie of the Year winner’s decision to skip traditional Easter festivities wasn’t a difficult one: “I hadn’t had a chance to come down, and I got plenty of time up home during the week, and I did the booth right, but I didn’t really get to get my fix at Rockingham, and who knows what the plan is for this moving forward. It’s the first time you’re here to sold out. I was like, man, I got to go.”
With NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway after a lengthy absence, Hocevar couldn’t resist being part of the historic weekend. He explained his journey was simplified by having company for the trip: “It was really easy for me, because I had four or five buddies staying at my house that were coming to the race anyways. I had a lot of friends from Michigan up here. They did the trophies, Horvath and everybody, and trophies look super cool.”
Well, there were enough reasons to be hyped about NASCAR’s return at the Rock. It even brought Kasey Kahne out of retirement as he piloted the #33 RCR Chevy along the newly paved 0.94-mile oval. While the 25,000 fans packed the grandstands, the Xfinity race drew 1.053 million viewers. Second-best viewership figures for an Xfinity Series race at the Rock. It is important to note, this came with a new media partner, CW, who had to deal with backlash from the community about the unavailability of the coverage in some regions.
.@CarsonHocevar was excited to see the finish here at Rockingham on his off-weekend.
“I’m a race fan. I don’t have a lot of fun going to beaches…except for maybe girls.” #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/ECYYoICnNm
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) April 19, 2025
Hocevar’s presence at Rockingham Speedway followed his successful broadcasting debut in the Fox Sports booth during the Truck Series race. His commentary earned widespread praise across social media, with former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace commending his performance and Happy Hour co-host Kaitlyn Vincie noting Hocevar’s natural broadcasting talent: “Well done in the booth tonight @CarsonHocevar, you’re a natural @NASCARONFOX.”
With NASCAR’s triumphant return to one of its historic racetracks, many have called for a Cup Series return to the Rock soon. After Richard Petty notched 11 Cup wins at the track, the premier series walked away from the track in 2004. At the time, the owners were mired in a struggle to choose between SMI and Roger Penske’s ownership, and the dispute between the two parties even led to a legal battle. But, now that the track has all the means and resources, could the Cup Series make its return?
Rockingham Revival: A Cup Series Return on the Horizon?
Hocevar wasn’t the only one seeing potential in Rockingham’s resurrection. As he wandered the infield with his Intimidator truck, discussions about the track’s future were already brewing among NASCAR insiders. Kenny Wallace boldly predicted a Cup Series return by 2027, while track president Bob Sargent acknowledged the extensive work still needed. “This was a big lift just to have Xfinity and Trucks. It would take a lot more work and a lot more dollars. We’re talking lots of zeros to get it ready for a cup event, for the infrastructure and everything,” reported veteran journalist Bob Pockrass.
Having witnessed the sold-out grandstands and six-hour autograph lines firsthand, Hocevar’s presence reflected a growing sentiment among both current drivers and fans that “The Rock” deserves another chance at NASCAR’s highest level. Kasey Kahne, making his own comeback at the track, endorsed the idea: “I mean, the Cup race could probably be really good here. It used to be, I used to enjoy watching it or being a part of it, the one year.” The $9 million repaving project funded through North Carolina’s racetrack rehabilitation initiative has already transformed what was once described as “rust and rot” into a viable racing surface.
Unlike previous resurrection attempts that faltered, this revival appears to have staying power. Bryan Land, Richmond County manager who once worked in the track’s infield diner, captured the mood: “It’s hard not to think about the possibilities for the future, but right now, I think we all are just excited to see racing at The Rock this weekend. We’ve been here before. But this time… it feels different.”
If, in case, NASCAR’s ambitious international race doesn’t pay off, we might see major reshuffling in the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in the next two years. Even if there’s no point-paying race available, fans would mind seeing Rockingham host the Clash or the All-Star race.
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