ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (August 9, 2010) – After nearly two months of Legends and Bandolero racing on the treacherous quarter-mile at the Little Rock Speedway, seven Firecracker Challenge champions were crowned on Aug. 7 from the 76 unique entries for the entire summer series.
In the Beginner Bandits class, Sprout Royal took the crown with an amassed points tally of 488.
In the Bandits class, Ray Beebe held off Jonnie Varga with total of 594 points to Varga’s 546.
In the Outlaws class, John Holleman rallied over the second half of the schedule to overtake second-place Reid Wilson by a mere 33 points.
Justin Carroll used four-straight feature wins to close out the challenge to edge Mason Hudson by six points to take the Young Lions class despite missing the June 16 races.
Gregory Lane, bouyed by four feature wins, took the crown in the Semi-Pro class.
In the Pro Class, Tyler Lester tallied 400 points to hold off Chris Davis by 21 points in the final standings.
Jeff Jordan squeaked by Larry Friddle by just 12 points to collect the Masters class hardware.
“If you missed any of the Firecracker challenge, you missed some great racing action,” said Andy Hillenburg, Rockingham Speedway President. “I would like the thank all the competitors who came out and put on a great show for our fans. We hope to see all the racers and race fans back in November.”
The Bandoleros and Legends cars return to Rockinghamon Nov. 7, 2010 for The Rock Road Course Wars. The series continues on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21 with the cars of the Allison Legacy Series joining the Legends and Banodoleros for the finale.
Racing action returns to the one-mile Rockingham Speedway on Oct. 9, 2010 with the American 200 running of the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards season finale and the UARA Late Model Series.
The cars of the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals make their return on Nov. 27, 2010 for their 150 mile race.
For more information on events at the track, contact Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com
Polar Bear 150 Street Stock Race Rescheduled for
Nov. 27, 2010
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (July 20, 2010) – For those race fans eagerly anticipating the third installment of the Polar Bear 150 Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals race at the Rockingham Speedway, the wait just got a little bit shorter.
The race, originally slated to be run on Jan. 1, 2011 has been pushed up to Nov. 27, 2010.
“We have received a lot of feedback from the competitors and race fans who loved their experience at street stock races at ‘The Rock,’ but have had problems making it to the New Year’s Day event,” said Rockingham Speedway President. “After talking with the folks with the series, we’ve decided that the Saturday after Thanksgiving would be a great date to run this year’s Polar Bear 150. I can’t imagine anything better to add to your family traditions and turkey than some great racing action.”
For more information on the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Polar Bear 150, the October 9, 2010 ARCA Series finale American 200 or other events upcoming at the track, contact Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com.
Tickets for the American 200 are still available. Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 the day of the race. All seating is general admission except Sections 1-6 Row 20 as these seats are reserved for season ticket holders.
Tickets are available for the Nov. 27 running of the Polar Bear 150 for $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.
Racing Legend Bill Elliott set to wave green flag to kick off Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto and Rockingham Speedway
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (May 4, 2010) – For Bill Elliott, coming back to Rockingham to be the honorary starter for the May 15 running of the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service is something of a homecoming. Before he was “Million Dollar Bill” or “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” Elliott was a 20-year-old rookie driver making his NASCAR Cup debut at the 1976 Carolina 500 at the venerable one-mile track.
While that day didn’t work out to well for Elliott and his No. 9 Ford Torino (a broken fuel pump after 32 laps led to a 33rd place finish), the 1988 Winston Cup champion ended up with a great career with a number of great moments at Rockingham. In 48 starts at the track, Elliott led 1231 laps, en route to four wins, including his last career win in 2003.
“Bill Elliott is one of the legends of this sport,” said Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg. “It just makes the Carolina 200 weekend that much more special to have him come be a part of all the festivities and great racing at Rockingham.”
Racing action for the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service weekend gets underway on Thursday, May 13 with practice and qualifying for the Friday, May 14 running of the ASA Late Model Series race. The ASA late models will take the green flag for their shootout immediately following USAR Pro Cup and UARA qualifying (approximately 4:30 pm). The UARA portion of the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service takes the green flag on Saturday, May 15 at 11 am with the USAR Pro Cup to follow at approximately 1 pm.
For more information on the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service or other events upcoming at the track, contact Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Tickets are available for the May 14, 2010 running of the ASA Late Model race and the May 15, 2010 Carolina 200 USAR Pro Cup/ UARA double header - $20.00 in advance and $25.00 the day of the event.
USAR PRO CUP HEADING TO THE ROCK AND THE CAROLINA 200
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (May 3, 2010) – Caleb Holman comes to Rockingham Speedway looking for a third straight victory in the 2010 USARacing Pro Cup series. The 26-year old Abingdon, VA racer captured his second win of 2010 when Clay Rogers’ night ended in the garage after heading 222 of the 250 laps at Hickory Speedway.
Holman comes into the May 15 Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire Service double header after snapping a 17-race losing streak with victory at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, then took advantage of Rogers’ ill fortunes at Hickory. “They told me on the radio that he'd been spewing water,” said Holman. “I hate it for him; I do. He's a good guy; a great competitor. It's absolutely a shame that he didn't win the race, but I'm going to take it. I'm not going to give it back. They were the class of the field without a doubt.”
Logan Ruffin showed poise and skill beyond his fifteen years by finishing second to Holman. The race marked the teen’s debut at Hickory Motor Speedway and his sixth USAR start.
“We were needing a good points night because we've had two DNFs this year for the first two races,” the Memphis, Tenn., native said after the race that had seven lead changes among five drivers. “It's time for us to start points racing if we're going to win [Raybestos] Rookie of the Year and the championship.”
Action starts Thursday afternoon, with practice at 2:30 for the ASA Late Model Challenge series followed by qualifying at 4:30.
Track action starts again at 9:00 Friday morning, with practice sessions for the UARA Stars and USAR Pro Cup races. Following qualifying for these two races, the ASA drivers take to the track at 4:30 for their 100 lap feature race over the Rock’s challenging tri-oval.
Saturday brings the featured events with the 75-lap UARA race taking the green flag at 11:00, followed at 1:00 by the 200-lap USAR Pro Cup race. USAR Pro Cup races provide some of the closest, most exciting stock car racing ever.
For more information or for tickets please call the speedway at 910-205-8800 or visit www.rockinghamspeedway.com.
Black’s Tire and Auto Service continuing partnership with Rockingham Speedway, signs on as presenting sponsor of Carolina 200
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 27, 2010) – A familiar name is returning to Rockingham Speedway for the May 15 running of the Carolina 200 double header featuring the cars of the USAR Pro Cup Series and the UARA Late Models. Black’s Tire and Auto Service will be the presenting sponsor of the race.
“Black’s Tire and Auto Service have been key in everything we have done here at Rockingham Speedway since we reopened,” said Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg. “They are a great partner and we are thrilled about having them back for the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service in 2010.”
Racing action for the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service weekend gets underway on Thursday, May 13 with practice and qualifying for the Friday, May 14 running of the ASA Late Model Series race. The ASA late models will take the green flag for their shootout immediately following USAR Pro Cup and UARA qualifying (approximately 4:30 pm). The UARA portion of the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service takes the green flag on Saturday, May 15 at 11 am with the USAR Pro Cup to follow at approximately 1 pm.
The Carolina 200 marks the second time that the UARA cars take to The Rock. Kyle Grissom took the checkered flag when the series last made a stop in July, 2009. The USAR Series is making its third trip to Rockingham. Defending series champion Clay Rogers has claimed victory in the two previous visits.
For more information on the Carolina 200 presented by Black’s Tire and Auto Service or other events upcoming at the track, contact Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Tickets are available for the May 14, 2010 running of the ASA Late Model race and the May 15, 2010 Carolina 200 USAR Pro Cup/ UARA double header - $20.00 in advance and $25.00 the day of the event.
Suite packages are also available.
For Immediate Release
4-11-10 Hendersonville, NC
UARA-STARS Practice at Rockingham
The UARA-STARS were officially off from racing this weekend but several teams took advantage of the time to get their feel of Rockingham Speedway. Thirteen UARA teams, six USAR teams and two ASA teams were at the speedway Saturday April 10th to shakedown their cars and test for the upcoming events the weekend of May 14 & 15th.The ASA cars are scheduled to race on May 14th and the UARA and USAR cars have a double header on April 15 kicking off with the UARA at 11:00 am. Veteran driver Steve Grissom took the rookies under wing and into the pace car to give thempointers on getting around the track safely.Former UARA champion Lee Tissot also gave advice on safely exiting the speedway to the pits. The Rookies were the first to hit the track in controlled practice allowing them time to adjust to the speeds and feel of the track.Young Clint King had the fastest lap times of the rookies followed by Dylan Presnell, Ronnie Bassett Jr. Matt Kurzejewski and Julia Dawson. It was Dawson, however, who impressed the officials most. Throughout the day Dawson focused on running as many laps as she could, watching and observing the veterans and respecting their lanes on the speedway.She showed professional courtesy by running her own pace and allowing the faster veterans plenty of room on the track.Hats off to Julia. Kurzejewski only practiced the first session having suffered engine problems once again.He would like nothing better than to get that monkey off his back. Paddy Rodenbeck is the man who had the times to watch.He set the fastest lap of the day at at 25.146 just a bit below the UARA record set by Matt McCall last year at 25.067.With practice speeds like that McCall should be worried about remaining the record holder when race weekend arrives.Season point contenders Kyle Grissom, Brennan Poole and Lee Tissot also had a good day on the track showing the form that has them all in contention to have a great run on May 15th at “The Rock”. 4-10-10 Practice Times: Car #DriverFast Lap
Spring Fling gets underway, racing action to continue through April 18
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (March 15, 2010) – Spring has sprung at Rockingham Speedway with Legends and Bandelero action at the Little Rock. The inaugural Spring Fling Legends and Bandolero Series kicked off yesterday (March 14) and is set to continue March 21 and 28 and April 11 and 18.
The cars of the Allison Legacy Series join the mix on April 18.
“We had a great turnout to kick off the first races of the Spring Fling,” said Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg. “I’m sure there will be a lot more competitive racing action before we crown our champions on April 18.” Taking class victories in Bandoleros on Sunday were Ray Beebe (bandits) and Riley Halverson (outlaws). Taking class victories in Legends action were Sean Shalvoy (young lions), Gregory Lang (semi-pro), Chad Finchum (pro) and Jeff Jordan (masters).
For more information on the Spring Fling or other events upcoming at the track, contact Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Tickets for the Spring Fling events are only $5 for spectators. Tickets are available for the May 15, 2010 Carolina 200 USAR Pro Cup/ UARA double header - $20.00 in advance and $25.00 the day of the event. Suite packages are also available.
Dieffenbach GM Superstore signs on to pace Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (December 30, 2009) –When the 70-plus car field of the Polar Bear 150 come to the green flag at Rockingham Speedway a Dieffenbach Chevrolet Impala SS will have the field in tow.
Dieffenbach GM Superstore has partnered with Rockingham Speedway to provide the pace cars and safety vehicles for the New Year’s Day running of the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals at the track.
“We are happy to be partnering with Rockingham Speedway for the Polar Bear 150,” said Dieffenbach GM Superstore General Manager Jeff Dieffenbach. “After all the hard work that the Hillenburgs and the staff at the Speedway have put into bringing racing back to Rockingham, all the employees at Dieffenbach felt it was something that we really wanted to support.”
“We really appreciate Dieffenbach GM Superstore’s support,” said Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg. “Local businesses here in Richmond and the surrounding counties have been great supporters of racing here at the speedway and we couldn’t be more thrilled. That Dieffenbach Impala SS is going to look good leading the field around on New Year’s Day.”
Be sure to follow Rockingham Speedway's official Twitter site, www.twitter.com/RockinghamSpeed, which will be running special contests and ticket giveaways for the duration of 2009.
For more information, or to order tickets for the Polar Bear 150, contact the Rockingham Speedway at 910.205.8800 or online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the race with tickets for children under 12 $5. Suite packages are also available by contacting the speedway.
R.A. Jeffreys Distributing Company returning as official sponsor of Rockingham Speedway; set to sponsor Bud Pole Award for Polar Bear 150
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (December 28, 2009) – R.A. Jeffreys Distributing Company is returning to the Rockingham Speedway as the track’s official beer distributor with Budweiser being the official beer. The sponsorship will kick off with R.A. Jeffreys sponsoring the Bud Pole Award for the second-annual running of the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Polar Bear 150. “R.A. Jeffreys has been a great partner for us at Rockingham Speedway,” said speedway president Andy Hillenburg. “We couldn’t be more excited about having them back this year beginning with their sponsorship of the pole award for the street stocks at the Polar Bear 150.”The R.A. Jeffreys Bud Pole Award will be awarded after the European-style qualifying session that begins at 10 AM Friday, Jan. 1, 2010. The green flag drops on the Polar Bear 150 at noon following qualifying and an autograph session. Be sure to follow Rockingham Speedway's official Twitter site, www.twitter.com/RockinghamSpeed, which will be running special contests and ticket giveaways for the duration of 2009. For more information, or to order tickets for the Polar Bear 150, contact the Rockingham Speedway at 910.205.8800 or online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the race with tickets for children under 12 $5. Suite packages are also available by contacting the speedway.
Rockingham Speedway’s 2010 schedule to feature three Legends and Bandolero challenge series
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (December 28, 2009) – In addition to the usual stock car action that the Rockingham Speedway is known for, the speedway and the adjacent “Little Rock” will play host to Legends and Bandoleros racing for three separate challenge series.The first series, the “Spring Fling” takes to the quarter-mile “Little Rock” March 14, 21, 28, April 11 and 18. The “Spring Fling” is also hosting the cars of the Allison Legacy Series.The Legends and Bandoleros return to the “Little Rock” for the Firecracker Challenge beginning on June 13. The challenge continues on June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 and 8. Left and right hand turns are in order for “The Rock” Road Course Wars. The Legends, Bandoleros and Allison Legacy cars hit the infield road course on November 7, 14, and 21.“2010 is going to be a great year at Rockingham Speedway,” said track president Andy Hillenburg. “We have a good variety of racing on the Big Rock, the Little Rock and the road course and hope everyone will come experience all we have to offer.”In addition to the Legends and Bandolero racing, the one-mile Rockingham Speedway is hosting the Chump Car Series for a 24-hour race on March 13-14, the USARacing Series and the UARA Late Models on May 15 and the ARCA Series and UARA Championship races on Oct. 9.
“Sirius Speedway” Host Dave Moody To Wave Green Flag at Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (December 28, 2009) – Dave Moody, host of "SIRIUS Speedway" on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio 128 and lead turn announcer for MRN's NASCAR race broadcasts, has been named as the official starter of the Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway. Moody will wave the green flag at the New Year's Day event, officially starting the first race of 2010.
The 2nd Annual Polar Bear 150, which will be held at noon January 1, will be a chance for race fans to celebrate the beginning of the 2010 racing season with competitive racing by the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Series. The entry list, which already has 71 registrants, includes a combination of NASCAR drivers and crew members, drivers from the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards, and previous Rockingham winners from the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Series.
Speedway owner, Andy Hillenburg, personally chose Moody to give the green for the second annual running of the race. Moody, who has been a regular on MRN Radio since 1998, is looking forward to performing his official starter duties. “The Polar Bear 150 is grassroots racing at its best, and I'm proud to be a part of it,” said Moody. “I just hope I don't drop the flag.”
The 2nd annual Polar Bear 150 kicks off on Thursday, December 31, 2009. Gates open at 8:00 AM and practice sessions take place from 1:00-1:45 PM and 3:00-3:45 PM.
European-style qualifying will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 1, 2010, and the green flag will drop at 12:00 PM. A driver autograph session, which will include the starting lineup as well as Moody, Firestone Indy Lights driver Leilani Münter, and some all-star surprises, will take place at the frontstretch fence between the conclusion of qualifying and driver introductions.
Be sure to follow Rockingham Speedway's official Twitter site, www.twitter.com/RockinghamSpeed, which will be running special contests and ticket giveaways for the duration of 2009.
For more information on the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Series, visit them online at www.streetstocknationals.com.
For more information, or to order tickets for the Polar Bear 150, contact the Rockingham Speedway at
910.205.8800 or online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the race with tickets for children under 12 $5. Suite packages are also available by contacting the speedway.
RacersReunion Vintage All-Star Clash Comes To The Rock
As part of the festivities associated with the second annual Polar Bear 150 Rockingham Speedway will host the RacersReunion Vintage All-Star Clash Exhibition and Car Show.
(1888PressRelease) December 11, 2009 - During the pre-race program for the American 200 ARCA Championship Race that took place at Rockingham this past October 11, 2009, spectators were treated to a Vintage Race Car Exhibition and Car Show. This exhibition was an extension of the RacersReunion Memory Lane Hall Of Fame induction ceremonies. Andy Hillenburg and Rockingham Speedway paid tribute to the inductees by honoring them during this Championship event.
Due to the positive results from that October 11th exhibition event, Hillenburg has decided to bring the vintage race cars back to The Rock to participate in the Second Annual Polar Bear 150 Event on January 1, 2010. Vintage Race Car drivers will be treated again to the thrill of turning laps at the famed Rockingham Speedway.
“We want to be able to show race fans the cars from the early years of racing,” said Hillenburg. “We also like the idea of giving these guys and gals who have preserved these old race cars an opportunity to show them off. I think everyone enjoys this kind of entertainment.”
And yes, there are some gals wheeling these vintage rides. Ronda McKnight of the East Coast Flat Head Club as well as Susan Kimel of the Carolina Vintage Stock Car Racing Association have made their presence known by winning their share of races against some of the best in the Vintage Racing ranks.
“All vintage race cars from any and all clubs are welcome at this FREE event,” said RacersReunion founder, Jeff Gilder. “Many who attended our October 11th exhibition have asked me when we could do this type of event again. Andy (Hillenburg) and I began planning to bring vintage race cars to the Polar bear Event the week following the first event. The vintage racing movement is growing faster than ever and these opportunities are important to its success. We (RacersReunion) will provide more opportunities like this in the future.”
There will also be a car show presented by Koss Motorsports as part of the festivities. All cars, show cars and vintage race cars, that pre-register will be given two tickets to the Polar Bear 150 good for the pits and grand stands. The show cars will also have the option to make some laps around Rockingham Speedway.
Details can be found on the events calendar by following the “Stock Car RacersReunion” link on RacersReunion.com.
Street Stock Action Heating Up Rockingham Speedway
Kimmel Street Stocks on Track in Preparation of Polar Bear 150
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (December 12, 2009) – Over one-third of the registered entrants for the Jan. 1, 2010
running of the Polar Bear 150 at the Rockingham Speedway were on track Saturday to work on getting their street stocks dialed in for the second annual New Year’s Day event.
Among the 22 drivers on hand for Saturday’s day-long practice session was Jimmy Elledge, crew chief for Scott Speed’s No. 82 Red Bull Racing Toyota team. Elledge has entered his 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo this year after rebuilding it following a crash in last year’s event.
“This race is a blast,” said Elledge, despite last year’s bad luck. “I grew up in Cup racing and always thought that Rockingham was a very cool racetrack.” It’s a shame we (NASCAR) don’t run here anymore. Just to be able to race on a racetrack with this kind of history is a lot of fun.
“Working on this car is a lot of fun. I’ve got a shop at my house and me and my buddies get out there and work on it. I’m fortunate to be able to get some parts and pieces from Red Bull and some other teams and be able to put some stuff together and not have a whole lot of money in it.”
Unfortunately for Elledge, his shop is going to be a busy place again between now and Jan. 1 as his No. 81 Monte Carlo was collected in a spin in the afternoon session.
Despite the crash, Elledge finished the day atop the speed charts, followed by J.D. Frey, who is a mechanic for Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing and ARCA Series regular Bryan Silas.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to have the street stocks coming back for the Polar Bear 150,” said
Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg. “This is such a fun event to host and race fans really enjoy it. I know I have been looking forward to this one all year.”
“We are really excited to be coming back to Rockingham,” said Series Director Frank Kimmel. “This is the third time that the street stocks have come to the speedway and we are looking to build on the two previous races. The guys put on a great show for the fans on July 4 (Cherry Bomb 200) and this year’s running of the Polar Bear should be even better. As of right now, we have over 60 cars pre-registered, so it looks to be the largest field ever to take the green flag at Rockingham. It’s a great way to kickoff racing in 2010, not only for the Rockingham Speedway but for the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals as well.”'
The next practice session for the Polar 150 gets underway at 1 PM on Dec. 31 with qualifying slated for 10 AM on New Year’s Day. The green flag waves for the second-annual event at noon on Jan. 1.
For more information on the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Series, visit them online at
www.streetstocknationals.com.
For more information, or to order tickets for the Polar Bear 150, contact the Rockingham Speedway at
910.205.8800 or online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the race with tickets for children under 12 $5. Suite packages are also available by contacting the speedway.
Rogers Pulling Double-Duty at “The Rock”JCR3 Team to Field USAR and ARCA Cars Oct. 10-11ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (Sept. 30, 2009) - The last time the cars of the USAR Pro Cup Series made a stop at the Rockingham Speedway, Clay Rogers found his way to victory lane, taking the checkered flag in last year’s American 200.This year, the Mooresville, N.C. racer and his JCR3 race team are looking to make that hard left into Rockinghamʼs victory lane not once, but twice. Rogersʼ team has entered cars for in both Saturdayʼs USAR Aaronʼs 150 and Sundayʼs ARCA RE/MAX American 200.“We tested well in both cars,” said Rogers, who will be making his third ARCA start of the year. “I am really happy with the car we brought for the ARCA practice session ...The car actually ran a lot like my Pro Cup car there at the end (of the test) which was pretty stout.”Stout is a good way to describe the season that Rogers is having in the USAR Series. The 28-year old, who in addition to USAR and ARCA competition has raced in the UARA and NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Series this year, currently sits second in the USAR points, only two points behind leader Drew Herring with only Rockingham and South Boston Speedways left on the schedule. A strong run at Rockingham would go a long way toward a second USAR championship for Rogers.“I know weʼve got a car capable of winning at Rockingham,” Rogers said. “In fact, we are running the same car that we won with last year. Weʼve been competitive all year. That (Pro Cup) is really our focus since we are contending for a championship on that side.”Despite the teamʼs primary attention being directed toward a USAR Championship, Rogers, bolstered by a strong test session at Rockingham on Sept. 23, is optimistic about his chances in the ARCA American 200.“To come out here against these great ARCA teams and post the second-fastest time of the day was great,” Rogers said. “But these ARCA races are so different (than USAR) with the pit strategy that it takes. There are some very stout teams with the Venturinis, those Eddie Sharp teams and the Penske development team with a lot of smart guys on top of those pit boxes.“But if we can run all day, I think weʼll have a shot at it at the end of the day on Sunday.”For more information about the ARCA/REMAX American 200 or the USARacing Aaron’s 150 October 9-11 or to order tickets, please contact the Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Tickets begin at $20 for single-day reserved seating with $5 back-to-school special pricing for students. Weekend and pit passes are also available.
ARCA/REMAX Championship Closing in on
Rockingham Speedway and the American 200
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (September 2, 2009) – All roads in the ARCA/REMAX 2009 season have been leading to a venerable old track nestled in the Sandhills of North Carolina.
And that road is getting pretty short, as the series pulls into the Rockingham Speedway to crown a champion at the American 200 on October 11, 2009.
“This place knows a thing or two about crowning champions,” said Rockingham Speedway President and 1995 ARCA/REMAX Series Champion Andy Hillenburg. “This year’s championship battle is shaping up to be a shootout and it looks like anyone looking to hoist the trophy is going to have to tame Rockingham to do it.”
Currently, points leader Justin Lofton holds a 55-point lead over second-place Parker Kligerman, with nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel, Joey Coulter, Craig Goess, Brian Silas and Patrick Sheltra all within striking distance with five races before the finale.
Lofton is glad to be returning to Rockingham, hopefully looking to protect a points lead.
“When I first heard we were going to Rockingham last year I was more than excited,” said Lofton. “Pulling into Rockingham Speedway was like taking a step back into the past. I just took one look at the track and I knew it was my type of track. It (the run at Rockingham) was what I needed to convince (car owner) Eddie (Sharp) and my Dad that I should run the rest of the ‘08 season.”
For Goess and his race team, finishing the 2009 season at Rockingham is important for several reasons.
“It’s definitely nice because Rockingham is the only race that we go to that is in the same state that I live in so all of the guys at Greenville Toyota and a lot of my friends and family can come out and support me for that race,” said Goess. “I really enjoy getting around Rockingham...I think we finished sixth there in the spring so we will be much better when we go back. It’s a privilege to be able to race there as a driver with all of the other names that have raced at that track and it’s a privilege for the Series too.”
The ARCA RE/MAX Series has raced at Rockingham on three previous occasions, with Charlie Glotzbach winning the inaugural event in 1973, current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie Joey Logano winning in his career first ARCA RE/MAX Series start in May 2008 and Sean Caisse winning in April 2009.
For more information about the ARCA/REMAX American 200 or the accompanying USARacing Aaron’s 150 October 9-11 or to order tickets, please contact the Rockingham Speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Tickets begin at $20 for single-day reserved seating with $5 back-to-school special pricing for students. Weekend and pit passes are also available.
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