Abandoned Rockingham Speedway: FULL TOUR! (Hidden NASCAR History In Storage)

In 2004 the Subway 400 was the very last NASCAR Cup Series race at the North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham NC. The track was all but forgotten, used sparingly and pillaged for parts in coming years until being completely unattended. This is the first time ANYONE has had the opportunity to document the untouched history of the 260+ acre facility. Now as of 2021 The Rock is under new ownership and is slowly working back into hosting events again! This will be the video to serve future generations as to what a Winston Cup Series facility looked like in all facets back in the golden era early 2000's of NASCAR!
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[@markmartin5477]

This is cool 💯

[@Stapleton42]

I hope this brought back some fond memories of when you tore this place up back in the day 💪🏻

[@jasonfields2798]

THE Mark Martin watched this video... by gosh Markingham is the best comment I have read all year

[@RoyJenkins777]

@@Stapleton42 When Mark Martin comments on your video that's when you know you've made it . Good stuff brother. God Bless

[@rickmoyerjr2845]

Loved watching you and the Winston Cup race at the Rock back in the day!

[@paulym5814]

Hey Mark how are you doing.

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

Man, you owe that gentleman a huge thanks for showing you around the track. To say he went out of his way to give you a complete tour of the facility is an understatement, and he did it with such enthusiasm. Without him, this video would still be very interesting, but nowhere near as good. What a cool dude.

[@Stapleton42]

I agree Jamie is a super cool guy

[@rustyshackelford9612]

That's just how Jamie is as a person as long as I've known him

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

@@rustyshackelford9612 Youre both lucky to know him. I grew up in the 80s and 90s in what I consider to be the greatest era of NASCAR, and I remember the Rock well. Id LOVE to walk around that place and see some of the history. Just watching this video was like going back in time. That dude is cool. And knows his stuff.

[@rjs2005]

I'm so glad this track, along with North Wilkesboro are getting the love they so richly deserve. Even if neither track ever hosts another Cup series race, just having the tracks restored and brought back to life will preserve the rich history of racing in the state. As an adopted North Carolinian, I heartily approve and really look forward to attending racing events!

[@philgee2240]

We have an abandoned Oval here in the UK called Rockingham too... i called the last ever motorcycle race there back in 2018 .. it was built to run Indy Races in europe, but the track had weepers that could never fix. Its now a huge car storage facility... loving this type of content.

[@darth_autie_117]

i was in the pit crew for a Greenpower team a few years ago and my first and last races were at Rockingham

[@Seven50ml]

Glad to hear that it's being restored. Too many tracks and dragways being torn down or left to rot. Great vid!

[@mikes.1882]

Expendable cash issues in America

[@johnsnow1355]

Your exploration videos are so much better then the illegal break and enter style exploration videos other KZbin people do where they break in illegally. Having a tour guide and open access makes your video 1000% more enjoyable to go in with permission and help from someone with pretty good knowledge. 🥰

[@Stapleton42]

Exactly!

[@nicefknmodel2201]

My Dad (who wasn't around much) Decided to surprise me and Took me to this track when I was 10... Been hooked since. THANKS FOR BRINGING THIS MEMORY BACK

[@Stapleton42]

That’s awesome man. I’m glad you’re here

[@harleyridernh]

I am so envy of you, to be able to see this history of Nascar in person. Absolutely loved this, to remember all the history of this track. Unbelievable, thank you so much for sharing the history of the Rock. From DW to this unbelievable

[@18twilliams]

I use to go to" bike week" every winter in Dayton with my converted bus and some friends, usually for a month, and always stopped on the way from central Pa. at THE ROCK! I was at the last race and couldn't believe after all the upgrades made they would just close it up! But it was right after #3 had died and everything that was NASCAR would never be the same! I have so many stories about Rockingham great memories now @ 66 is really special! Thanx for doing this series! ps, It always would rain and be a Monday race! made it even better.

[@johnsnow1355]

Nascar has made many many questionable choices. From the chase to the car of tomorrow to letting Camaro and mustang body into the top level sport. They are floundering grasping at straws to keep a dieing sport alive. They never understand it's about the drivers and engaging fans emotional support through the drivers personality. Fancy cars and weird track races are a temporary bandaid. The real issue is after Gordon, Earnhardt and the great personality on the 90s left the sport there is a big hole these rich kids buying a cup ride can't fill. Not to mention there is 0 set up now. Cars ride on the bump stops everywhere they race making shocks and springs meaningless. To go fast all u have to do is hit the gas and turn left. Back in the day ride height, sway bars, springs and shocks were a science to make a car go fast. Now they put Honda civic front springs in the car and the shocks do nothing the cars ride on rubber blocks up front where is the science in that.

[@throttlewatch4614]

Richard Petty was the king of nascar but Dale Earnhardt was the Father of NASCAR it all went downhill after Dale was gone

[@lynnlindsay4480]

I know I'm sad about the old tracks and love them, and less excited about road course races and races out west. That is just not NASCAR. I won't watch those races and even in the 80's I hated Riverside. I despise Phoenix, and Las Vegas. I am pro southern races that go along tracks like Darlington, Atlanta, Bristol, Talladega, Daytona, and that one near Charlotte NC, Martinsville? Martinsdale?

[@benbarrs5500]

In 2007 when Andy Hillenburg owned the track, we raced Bandoleros and Legends cars on an inside road course that also used the front straightaway and turns 3 and 4. We were able to use the pits and all. Great experience.

[@chriswilds2422]

I sat on the back stretch for the last race in 04. Also spent many weekends there as a kid from 91 all the way to 04. This is an amazing nostalgic video. Thank you

[@lifewiththelakes]

So jealous of all the history stuff you guys do. Stoked for this video! Best part of Sunday morning right here!

[@Stapleton42]

We are glad you’re here for it 🤟🏻

[@bennyhelgeson401]

I enjoy old signs. I could not have left that place without something finding its way into my car. Surprising mice and vandals had not destroyed most everything. Great video

[@Stapleton42]

It was abandoned but under watch for most of the time thankfully. It helps that it’s in the middle of nowhere too lol

[@chandarn78]

This is so amazing to me. The Rock is where I fell in love with NASCAR! I am happy to see that they are giving it new life!

[@curtisayers-speedink99]

I finally took the time to watch another of your great videos Mitchell. I wanted to comment on the little track you drove on. When Andy Hillenburg owned Rockingham, he built that track as an exact replica of Martinsville. He said that Martinsville was the toughest track to drive in NASCAR. I did an advanced race school on that track about 11 years ago. All day school, started with driving his K & N cars and he moved you into his ARCA cars if he felt you were ready. Awesome experience! Keep up the good work!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!

[@ernestpaul2484]

I am so glad you got to meet Jamie and he hooked you up with an exclusive tour of the track. Not many people have had that opportunity. As a deputy answering the alarms back in the late 80's early 90's, Frank Wilson or Ronnie Chavez would come out and open it up so we could check out the place, (this was on night shift), so I saw the entire place. Of course it was an active track then. Too bad I didn't know you were going to be in town, it would have been nice to meet you guys. Shit happens.

[@LowKeyIdiots]

Mitch is like a kid in a candy store "What's that" *guy starts explaining* Mitch: "OH WHAT IS THIS?!??" lmaoo

[@Stapleton42]

😂😂😂 yep

[@theotherbrent]

Been to Rockingham several times but never got to see the behind the scenes stuff. This is an awesome video. Thanks for taking me back to my early 20s.

[@greggjarvies8938]

Great memories. I worked the turn 4 fire/rescue truck at the Rock for five years before working Race Control in the tower for the last two Cup races. Views from the tower were fantastic.

[@TahoesNTurbos]

so sad such a legendary and historic track left to decay. so glad its being restored to its former glory and i cant wait to see it back to how we all remember it. Thank You Mitch for showing us this and i would gladly donate to help!! Edit: mustache gang!

[@Stapleton42]

Ayyy 🤟🏻

[@Firekiller2151]

As a motorsports history buff, this type of content is awesome! Thanks for taking us along.

[@Stapleton42]

We’re glad you’re here!

[@Chris-ey6rn]

Glad to see these historic tracks are being brought back from the dead . The Rock, Atlanta, and hopefully North Wilkesboro

[@chadmilburn1811]

This is my new favorite KZbin channel. I went to all the races at The Rock back in the 90s up until they closed. Freaking awesome tour!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we will make you proud!

[@speedhunter7156]

Thats cool man to see the rock being restored to something that can host races again I can't wait

[@thunderchaser2042]

The Rock deserves to be on the Cup Series schedule!

[@michaelcaraway2305]

I first became a Nascar fan when i was in my early teens (about 55 years ago) and have watched a lot of the evolution of the series over the years. I saw Dale when his first at Bristol in person (also many Darrel Waltrip ones over the years of his dominance there). I saw the loss of North Wilksboro and Rockingham as well as one at Darlington. Seeing one or two being restored and possibly used once again feels very good.

[@Stapleton42]

This place will be a staple racetrack again even if nascar doesn’t come back here. They don’t need it

[@ChurchesMoney]

I’m a relative of Wendell Scott.

[@thebreatheezkeselowskifan6687]

Now both are being restored

[@nickp6446]

This brought back fond memories for me. Great tour behind the scenes of the track I raced (very fast) go karts on many years ago. The Kart had two 135 cc engines and 4 wheel disk brakes. During a practice session I was entering the road course at over 130 mph from the back straight and my front brakes failed. My friend who was watching me saw me locking the rear wheels up and trying to slow down enough to make the turn (I did barely make it) said he was wondering what had happened. Great times and a lot of fun. Thank you for this great video!

[@clashwithsirwolf2008]

Great tour! I was in those suites in the mid 80's. The one I was in was called "The Carolina lounge." You could here the cars some, but there was catered food as well as full bar. Food was free as well as full bar. It came the price paid for the suite. I enjoyed going out and down to get the full sound and rumble of the cars. The races were always in March and October, so it was usually cold and uncomfortable. Just great racing there. The track was more commanding of respect than Darlington. Chewed up the tires faster.

[@kennyfofo]

The best part of these videos is your like a big kid that has found the best candy shop in the whole word and you are in 7th heaven! The history of NASCAR needs to be shown so that it can be resurrected so it can introduce a next generation of racers to the sport!

[@Stapleton42]

I agree!

[@Patmanx1]

used to go here, charlotte, martinsville, and north wilksboro with my dad and his friend growing up. Used to park our campers on Saturday (or Friday for sat races) and spend the night at the track. There's something special about waking up in the morning and having breakfast while happy hour is going on and watching the fans trickle in. I think the last time I was there was 1996 for a Busch series race.

[@kowalski3769]

Amen to that!! I remember that time of year you could go to all those tracks plus Darlington, 3 or 4 weekends in a row! You could camp but even if you didn't the ride home was only a couple of hours. It was a glorious time. You could go to 6-10 races a year easily. Got to see Harry Gant win 2 of the 4 races he won in a row back in 1991! This video reminds me of the time a friend and I made our pilgrimage to Charlotte Motor Speedway. We met a security guard and he let us in the track and allowed us to drive on the track with him while he did his security rounds!! We were like little kids we were so excited! We took pictures of EVERYTHING! The guard let us climb up the banking and sit underneath a HUGE Winston Cup sign in turn 1 while he took a picture of us. I was laying on the pavement and taking pictures of the track from ground level. We thought we had won the lottery. It was a blast! It's a shame that nascar abandoned it's roots and fans here in the South. They lost a lot of fans including me by doing that and it shows every week with less and less people in the stands. It breaks my heart because nascar was such a big part of my life back then.

[@robtans5042]

Nascar

[@robtans5042]

Nascar outgrowed their roots and turned their back on the south. Hell theyve taken seats out of the remaining tracks because they cant fill them. A common person has trouble affording to attend a race now days. I checked nashville 400 dollars for cheap seats. No way I would spend that much to watch a bunch of drivers of today. In 1977 I drove to bristol bought a 12 dollar ticket and even went to the pits after the race. Today that would cost me a hell of a lot more. And the biggest difference I got a hell of a lot more for my money. I got to brang my cooler of beer my own food and smoke a cigarette if I wanted to. And most of all I got to watch the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. The allisons yarbrough buddy baker benny parsons darrell waltrip and david pearson if he chose to run and of course the King Richard petty. Them guys were class acts and I guarantee you they knew what restroom to use

[@tensor120]

I'm watching and you said "if you're really into this stuff..." I'm thinking this is the best NASCAR related channel there is really. I'm sure we're about the same age and I'm still watching but have strayed. Your channel is making me get in Google Earth looking at this Speedway cause this is the most missed track of mine.

[@stinger1982]

This is one of the coolest “urban exploring” videos ever, I think partly because it’s not really abandoned so it’s not typical urban exploring. Having the backstory to so many of your questions that are being asked just takes this video to a next level compared to typical UE videos. Super cool video. REALLY enjoyed it

[@billdeacon458]

This might just be the single best video ever!! Although I’ve enjoyed all your videos in this series…Thanks for taking us places we’d never be able to see

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man that’s what we are here for 🤟🏻

[@n4bhpat]

One of the coolest videos yet, love the history tours. My granddaddy took me there is the late 60’s I been hooked on racing ever since. And I can’t wait to see the race car you bought and please make a run on a track we can come watch! Cheers and keep up the good work

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Pat!

[@johngriecosr8723]

I never went to this track but loved watching the racing there on the tube. There is so much history and memorabilia that is priceless. That is a lot of work to do these restorations just like the cars raced there and the equipment to support it. Awesome job guys, can't wait to see it finished if I am still around. Great vid and I am sharing with my gearhead buds.

[@heatstroke584]

I actually met Mark Martin at this track, 1996, I was in a pit crew pit stop competition on the start finish line. So many great memories, thank you

[@MyNunchakuAAA]

This was one of my favorite tracks on nascar thunder 2003. Glad to hear its being restored

[@Stapleton42]

Us too!

[@graysonbyass-rascoe4326]

Thank you for your contribution to the vintage nascar community. I loved the rock i went there just to take a pic of the outside. To see inside brings me tears of joy thank you.

[@Stapleton42]

That’s great to hear man we appreciate your support

[@graysonbyass-rascoe4326]

@@Stapleton42 Yooooo my dude i love you man thanks for responding, you're channel is awesome i hope to see it grow more. I laughed at the rcr video where you went on the red is orange rant about sr's cars lol. Keep it up! Stay safe!

[@GeekyFast]

That was awesome! Glad you could get a full tour and bring us along with you. 🏁

[@joeltolley6075]

Can't say it enough Mitchell I absolutely love this content. And I can't wait too see the Escalade and your other vehicles back in action as well. Seeing the Rock was amazing last time I was there was 1986. Have to say some things still looked the same. Can't wait to see where you go next.

[@blknightsixtyfo]

I can't wait to see what happens with this track.

[@evanwilliams6406]

Hopefully they will bring more racing back to this speedway. I never minded Rockingham. The place was challenging and it had character. You could see drivers working it hard in the cars. You don't have tracks like that anymore.

[@williamcesco7594]

This might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Thank you for showing me all the cool things in the last five or six videos

[@Stapleton42]

We won’t stop here 🤟🏻 let’s gooo

[@hollywood4241]

Last race I attended at The Rock was after Dale Earnhardt had passed away at Daytona. I still vividly remember it was the largest funeral I have ever been too. Signed his Daytona hauler right next to Bobby Labonte which he signed to the "greatest driver he had ever raced" Lap 3 then eerillly Dale junior was rear ended by Ron Hornaday and hit the wall violently...... Then the sky opened up and it was tears from heaven. The race was postponed and they raced on Monday. In 1996 I had been given a pit pass and stood in Dale's pit during the entire race where he battled Petty's driver Bobby Hamilton and they had the best cars in the entire field that day and battled back and forth the entire race then Dale did what Dale does best and came away with a great victory. It gets better...... I actually wore my authentic Hardee's pit crew shirt that day so I rushed down to victory lane and got my hands on Dale's rear spoiler and helped push him into victory lane.....I had died and gone to racing heaven. The absolute greatest racing memory in my entire life having gone to over a hundred races. Nothing better than seeing your favorite driver win at a race you're attending and doesn't happen much. The Rock is my 2nd favorite track next to Richmond then Martinsville. Me and buddy had season tix to the Rock and were also lucky enough to see the "Flyin Aces" win a record 4 consecutive pit crew championships and that record will NEVER be broken. Kyle Petty's home track and he dominated there for a few years in his Mellow Yellow car and was a blast to see. Man that is a great racetrack!!!

[@TheTheratfarmer]

During the race, my buddies were egging me on about jumping over the turn four wall after the race and go down into pit road... I said alright. [no fence at the furthest point]. End of the race-"where ya'll going?" I carried this big ass cooler and climbed over the wall, they followed. The banking, awesome is so steep. We made our way down into where the haulers were, walked right up beside Dales hauler, stepped over the rope thing they had set up. We had a great time. To hear these cars run at full speed is incredible.

[@jasonfields2798]

Mitch I am pretty sure somewhere I KZbin there is a home video from a fan who didna your at Rockingham in the mid or late 90s during a race weekend that is pretty cool too watch..AND something cool is winner's circle I used to think back in the day up until the late 1990s had a ramp that led the car up into the checkered flag part of it... keep doing these great videos man

[@Stapleton42]

I wanna find that video!

[@rudyhollis6540]

Dude, the content in NC is freaking awesome!!!! I live in eastern NC and racing is on a down swing right now, but it'll pick up again!!! Thanks for the videos!!!

[@bonvct]

We need more racers and racing facilities!

[@TheMallen07]

@@bonvct we need our good ole boy racers from small town NC.

[@donaldbarfield1926]

Eric allen

[@jacobmcgee4849]

I’m a fellow NC born and raised in NC and This was a awesome video!! I go to a lot of truck and car shows across the street from the racetrack at the drag strip and I’m always like man I wish I could tour the old rock!!! And I just did Man what a sweet video!!!

[@vinceaardal4988]

Man!!!! Brings back memories. Seen many, many races there. Including the last one!! Camped out on the Hamlet side off the backside!!! I hope this place makes a comeback!!!

[@jakebray561]

This is BY FAR the best video you've posted!! Thanks and please keep the vintage NASCAR stuff coming!!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks dude we will!! Glad you’re here for it we appreciate you

[@marks8068]

Ooohh Rockingham! :) Another one of my favorite 1990`s Nascar tracks!

[@Tmoneysays]

You gotta give Stapleton42 credit for helping to bring back such a legendary and iconic racetrack.

[@BANGITSME87]

The best going backwards on a game was NASCAR 98 because Bob Jenkins would just constantly say “hey buddy you’re going the wrong way!” over and over but it was worth it. So worth it.

[@Stapleton42]

😂😂😂

[@19961djs]

"There's two kinds of people, people who did that and liars" fucking great hahahhaa

[@gregsimon9061]

Absolutely love your videos, I remember the first time I saw the Daytona 500 in 1982 and it was incredible when they threw the green flag and 43 cars came screaming by. I was at all the Ontario Motor speedway races as a teenager and at Riverside International Speedway when I was a youngster. Dale Earnhardt was always my favorite even when it wasn’t popular to be his biggest fan.

[@MiamiSunrise]

Super fun video Stapleton. So much history interwoven into that track. Unbelievable how much there is there to see and find. I sincerely hope you both came away with some goodies from that trip. Thank you!

[@ralphkramden2089]

If they came away with anything, that would be theft.

[@grumpyoldbiker1118]

I randomly stumbled onto this video and I'm so happy to see The Rock coming back! I flew out of Ft Bragg from 2010 till late 2012, and did a lot of motorcycle riding out in that area, as well as attending quite a few drag races at the strip across the street. Every time I passed that track I longed to get in there and ride just one lap! It's really cool that you got to get in and take the grand tour. It makes you realize just how massive the entire facility is, and it makes you realize just how much work is going into bringing everything in it back up to code and ready to work. This is a great video. Thanks so much for bringing back all of the great memories!

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you found us man! You’d love the other racing/nascar history stuff we’ve done very similar to this

[@grumpyoldbiker1118]

Definitely gonna dig in. I've had family in coastal Carolina since the 1940's. Just finished your North Wilkesboro video as well and heard some familiar last names in it. Great content, Sir!

[@Ronaldl2350]

WOW, WOW, WOW. Your content is some of the best on KZbin! Thank you for sharing. Keep this history coming please!!

[@Stapleton42]

We will!

[@chrisfleming1519]

Badass that you moved to north Carolina and get to explore and dig into some of the old nascar history. By far my favorite state to vacation because of the racing their!

[@goodnaturedrivertoursllc2708]

Just friggin incredible, you are so fortunate to be able to see and do this, keep up the great history

[@Stapleton42]

Agreed man. Extremely grateful for everything. We are glad you’re here for it

[@vanslawson2329]

Love Rockingham. Awesome video. Like Dale Jr's lost speedways. But bringing back Rockingham and seeing everything that is still there from the past is really unreal. Thank you for sharing.

[@Destrie.DJ.Johnson]

When you walked into that soundproof room, and he said “it’s pretty acoustically friendly in here,” I felt like I was watching some mockumentary horror movie and it was about to go sideways😂

[@briangove5782]

Just love your videos commemorating NASCAR's prime, its legends and its history. This stuff is as fascinating as it is entertaining. It's great that you're archiving all of this for the rest of us to enjoy. You're really on to something here.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Brian! We are doing our best.

[@KEIFabrication]

That was unbelievably excellent! I raced at the drag strip across the road just after the Rock went dormant. It was just sitting there silent. Kind of sad and spooky. Glad to see it breathing life again! Thanks so much for allowing us access to something we would never be able to experience otherwise!

[@Stapleton42]

That’s what we’re here for!!

[@carolinacraig]

The Rock was the best track to see a race at. Went to every one from 96 and even went to the truck races they had there. In 2001 it was the next race after Dale was killed. On the third lap everyone stood holding up 3 fingers. It was Harvick first cup race and I still have my ticket that I had Harvick autograph. Love Rockingham and would love to see racing on that track again. Great video.

[@InfamyAutoTowing]

Omg nascar thunder! Broooo in reverse causing crazyyyy wrecks! Lol you just took me back! 🤣😂

[@Stapleton42]

Hahahah

[@amori1124]

This is crazy. Love how ur fine all this nascar history. Im a jeff Gordon type of guy but all the stuff ur finding is awsome. Keep up the great finds

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks dude we appreciate you 🤟🏻

[@stumphole8217]

I am a forest ranger at rockingham, that burned out skid steer in the bone yard started a hell of a wildfire

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

I was at my local watering hole, Saratoga"s Cafe, in Maggie Valley NC the night before a race at Rockingham... A buddy of mine had 4 tickets for the race. I bought all 4 for $120. I invited another friend of mine who was at the bar, offered to two others, but they declined. So I called my mom and stepdad, told them to be ready the next morning. Neither of them had ever been to a NASCAR race... We had a blast... Great track, awesome memories!

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you’re here man!

[@NoGoodNamesLeft]

Oh hell yes! Love this channel more and more each post! You guys are awesome!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we appreciate you!

[@BariLopesh]

The numbers on the dsl stuff probably correlates to a position on the patch panel in the server rack so it's easier to troubleshoot 🙏🏻. Great video man, keep it up, we're all living out part of our childhood dreams through you and logan and I for one am grateful 🙏🏻 #69 out 💪🏻

[@AustinLnr]

Man, your nascar content has become my favorite on KZbin so fast. Great video

[@BenDover-vm7ku]

Real cool tour and a ton of history there !! Awesome stuff !! Thanks !!

[@brianbartlett7313]

Been a subscriber since the beginning and this is up there with one of the best videos you have done so far!

[@Stapleton42]

Heck yeah man I appreciate you!

[@hot_pink_bitch_8896]

I’ve been a fan of nascar since as long as I can remember and oh man to see something like this is just the coolest thing

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man I’m glad you’re here for it

[@jamieround2072]

@ 45 . 45 here..... love the early 2000's gmc crew cab rig on the shirt...... ( it's got the ob-long headlights in it here ) its my ' 02 gmc crew cab... mine is yellow on top from body line up...... & body line down it's all black.......

[@Ryanezek36]

Wow!awesome stuff. Love what you guys are doing. Documenting history.

[@phillipking7937]

Your tour guides laugh had me cracking up!

[@Stapleton42]

He’s a cool dude!

[@bfoor24]

This is so awesome, what a trip back in time. I loved going to Rockingham in 2002. I live about an hour from the track and if I could, I'd help with the cleanup, etc haha 👍

[@mariodamico6121]

This was an awesome view. Hopefully someday soon The Rock will be hosting racing again soon. Shoutout to your tour guide, he’s an MVP

[@RandomJ2023]

I remember driving by this track all the time and feeling sad it was sitting unused. Bring it back to life !

[@markheineii7804]

Another killer cut. Love the history

[@jimbernard71]

What a Great tour guide!!! So syked to hear THE ROCK is coming back to life...

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you! We are too!

[@jimbernard71]

@@Stapleton42 Do you think Nascar will race there again, Or smaller races? Either way, wicked COOL😎

[@cool62chev]

Great stuff Mitchell! Love to see racing return to Rockingham.

[@ThePulleys]

So many memories around there. I was at the last race, we had a 300’ sand drag track on the back side that I broke my back and found out I had kidney cancer in 2011, and brought home a few W’s across the street lol

[@cbanks5678]

Damn its crazy seeing it deserted like that because my last memory of seeing that track was on a race day in 1999. I still have that program and car from that race lol.

[@Freddie0521]

So sad that Rockingham closed. That was a awesome track to see a race.

[@bobuncle8704]

You were so right. What a great trip back through time. My favourite race of all time is ABFD’s lapping the field twice in 85 Southern 500 I believe. First Million win

[@blackdogexcavator21]

When I was a fireman, we got the opportunity to work on the fire rescue crew at the Rock. Our duty station was the middle of turns 3/4. I participated from 91-2001 twice a year. We camped in the infield and stayed the whole weekend and had a ball. It was cool when they had the Union 76 Pit Crew Competition there each year. I still have a lugnut from Dale Earnhardt's Goodwrench car after they did their pit stop. The best part of working the races was occasionally getting to meet the drivers, owners, and crew members. I actually got to eat breakfast and talk to Alan Kulwicki in Feb of the year he was killed in the plane crash later that year. A lot of great times/memories at that track.

[@Stapleton42]

Dang man that’s a really cool experience

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Very cool video content! I always look forward to your videos in here, they are excellent in documentation of NASCAR history and extremely interesting! 🏎🚗👍 You & your lovely lady Logan keep up the great work, and know I'm there too. 😎 Rock it at the Rock!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks mark 💪🏻

[@madmit2483]

The reason you found that battery backup from Darlington Raceway is the two guys that built Darlington a few years later the same two guys built Rockingham originally.

[@DG38594]

What an amazing opportunity to be able to visit that place and see the history. So awesome!

[@SSMATT08]

This is very cool! I do know @39:32 where stepping through the box suites - the far right suite going into turn 1 was the Pepsi suite. I don't recall the wall mounted AC units even being on during the Feb and Nov races - prob why they've lasted all these years. At the time, it was actually nice to sit inside where it was warm. I sure hope NASCAR can make it back to the Rock; especially a night race

[@racer193wr]

This is very very cool for us who appreciate the tracks and want to see them put back into service... I mentioned this in the last video but do you know if Rockingham has a non compete contract with nascar? I so hope that's not the case. As it would be awesome to see them come back...also hoping that your new car is a last gen cup car.. but really any old cup car would do...

[@Stapleton42]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@englishmuffin5274]

Loved this vid, man holy shit. Lots of fond memories popped up immediately for me. Loved Kyle Petty during the Sabco years. I think he won 3 years in a row here and had several top 10s. Always loved Rockingham for giving me those great memories as a youngin. Huge thanks for making my day with this!

[@Stapleton42]

That’s man we appreciate you!

[@jarrodfreitas2788]

Man, I can’t thank you enough for THIS video. The Rock is my favorite track of all time. This video really gets to me! 🥲 Keep ‘em coming, bro!! This was amazing. Thank you!!!

[@Stapleton42]

We will! Glad you’re here man

[@Bobyrathgaming]

Cool enough I used to live in a town called “Rockfish” it was pretty close to rocking ham but I remember going to the drag strip next to the track with my dad and seeing the drag strip races, but knowing that I used to love live near a abandoned piece of history makes me happy

[@glennevitt5250]

Thank you for this information Its Brings back a lot of memories From the Man In Black

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you’re here for it man

[@Zakkwilder1982]

You have became my favorite youtube channel. Keep it going. Also think you should marry that girl. She is deff a keeper

[@michijimc9753]

WOW! Your video really took me back home. Born in Rockingham in late 50’s. Started going to races in late 60’s particularly the Carolina 500. My late father was a police officer in Rockingham and worked at every race from 1973 until late 80’s. He sat up in the old race control area watching the stairway. NASCAR crew chief Larry Shankle lived down the street from us. He had several of us working around the shop of LG DeWitt Racing in Ellerbee when Benny Parsons drove for the team. John Sears ran his race shop out of that small town as well. He raced late 60’s Chargers and I recall seeing my first 426 hemi’s sitting on engine stands in his shop. I had the privilege of attending high school with several colleagues who’s parents worked at NCMS. When Larry moved to the James Hylton 48 racing team I worked several races helping to setup the car and as a gofer. Funny story, the fab shop you were in was where NASCAR Competition Director Bill Gazaway took Larry and I for a monumental A$$ chewing after I just walked onto pit road after practice and before I received my credentials. The next day I had all of my paperwork in order and did everything I was supposed to do. To say it was breathtaking to literally be working elbow to elbow with the great drivers of that era just doesn’t capture the feeling I felt as an 18 year old worker. That was a very different time than the corporate juggernaut of todays NASCAR. I rode to races in a box truck with James Hylton towing the car on a two axle open trailer. Yes a very different time indeed. When I was in high school in the early to mid 70’s the track was opened the week before for people to get on and drive. My Mothers Ford Galaxie 500 made a bunch of laps around NCMS back then. After I moved to Michigan in 1979 to complete my education and work I returned home to the NCMS bringing my new friends to introduce them to NASCAR racing. Those were the days when only a few races a year were televised and Chris Economaki was the voice of NASCAR. I missed the last race at the Rock and really miss those “old school” NASCAR races. Larry Shankle was staying at our home when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He was here in Michigan teaching a new generation of racers how to read between the lines in the racing rule book. Watching one driver in particular listen to Larry who got his engines running far better than ever thought possible was a very pleasant experience. This kid went from being the perennial last man across the line to qualifying well and winning several races. Because of the competitive spirit Larry instilled in me I still do some tweaking on my vehicles. Much of the same principles still apply to waking up an engine. It’s somewhat more difficult to tune them today though. Thanks for your entertaining and well produced content.

[@michaelpiecewicz9748]

Thanks for bringing me back to the 80’s when racing was fun and enjoyable

[@Demise90Racing]

It's really nice to see the progress of some things being restored at the track. Hopefully the track gets that 10 mil from the state and we can get the Cup Series back at The Rock where it belongs

[@jarrodbushyhead6928]

Cup won’t come back to the rock. NASCAR came back with the trucks for 2 years hardly anyone showed up so NASCAR left again

[@horsecrazyviking7121]

@@jarrodbushyhead6928 Hardly anyone showed up because it was the trucks but I agree that NASCAR won’t be back. NASCAR has recently made it clear they’re only interested in 2 types of tracks: road courses and brand new short tracks.

[@bigsarge8795]

We can dream cant we ?

[@jarrodbushyhead6928]

@@bigsarge8795 yea you can dream but I doubt NASCAR will go back they don’t care about tradition anymore. Sending the clash to California at the collision was a dumb idea

[@bigsarge8795]

@@jarrodbushyhead6928 i know i know. Just a thought. I absolutely hate that move to the coliseum as well.