tool name
closeRacing returning to Rockingham
JIM UTTER
The Charlotte Observer
Friday, Nov. 02, 2007
Racing is returning to "The Rock."
Keeping good on a promise he made when he purchased the speedway, new North Carolina Speedway owner Andy Hillenburg announced on Friday that the Automobile Racing Club of America series will hold a race at the track in Rockingham, N.C., on May 4 next year.
Hillenburg has also changed the track's name officially now to Rockingham Speedway.
The inaugural Carolina 500 will begin at noon Eastern and cover 312 laps. A practice session will be held May 2 and qualifying on May 3.
"The Carolina 500 is going to be a cornerstone event for the ARCA schedule," said Hillenburg, the 1995 ARCA champion who became the speedway's new owner on Oct. 31.
"It's going to be the longest race in the series and carry the richest purse. It also will have the largest field with 50 cars."
The new race will be the second ARCA event held at the track. Charlie Glotzbach won the first ARCA race held at the track in 1973.
Hillenburg is hoping to add additional races, including a Hooters Pro Cup event.
Fans may begin requesting ticket information on Nov. 7 by calling (910) 205-8800; or visiting the speedway's Web site, www.rockinghamracewaypark.com.