Rockingham Speedway's Former Track Manager of 30+ Years Has Crazy NASCAR History Stories

[@Stapleton42]

Let’s help get things back to the way they used to be🏁💪🏻 Time only happens once but we will keep this history alive. Subscribe if history is important to you too. Get the same stuff I’m wearing here! Stapletonautoworks.com

[@jeremiahjohnson5610]

You making these videos and talking to some of the icons that had a hand in racing and race car tracks is a damn good start to keeping the old times rolling forward. Thank you Mitchell and Logan.

[@joshuashanahan4359]

@@jeremiahjohnson5610 I second this.

[@mikegrey5663]

Always enjoy your videos this one, the Petty car ones, and Martin ones were awesome

[@davefroman4700]

This reminds me of a small rodeo grounds I used to volunteer at for decades, you just make do with what ever you can lay your hands on.

[@ryanbrown4336]

You should see if you can get access to North Wilkesboro. This is some killer content , like you said nobody else is doing what you do . Nazareth is another track with a ton of history.

[@AndyM.]

YEAP!!!! Mr. Ronnie nailed it when he said at the 12:40 mark "It's ALL about the dollar now."....

[@purserclay39]

Glad to see someone trying to bring back the old nascar history

[@Stapleton42]

“Do or do not, there is no try” - Yoda We are doing it 🤟🏻

[@BarnburnerGaming]

“Glad to see someone” NASCAR talks about the past an shows more classic footage during their race day broadcasts than any other sport i can think of.

[@purserclay39]

@@BarnburnerGaming racing broadcast don't share the history like this. They talk about it as in it's dead past history. Stapleton42 and even Dale Jr bring back history that tells a better story regarding the history. The problem will broadcasting tell the story is they'll leave out history or add history that's not 100% valuable.

[@purserclay39]

@@Stapleton42 keep doing the great work that you do.

[@sykwookiee]

@@BarnburnerGaming ...there's nobody doing the deep dive like Mitchell and Logan...

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Speaking of Mark Martin, back in the day, he was one of the smallest cup drivers, yet he could bench press more weight than any other cup driver. Very strong man.

[@davidrice3337]

too bad he treated Kevin Lapage like shit -

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@davidrice3337 So......what's the story behind that? Either I can't recall, or never heard about it.

[@brandonlee6158]

I’ve heard too many stories of Mr Martin, sourd of being a very direct and uncompromising person to work for or with, after watching Mitch and the Mark Martin vids I see it may be true but all it was from what I can tell is Mark demanding the hard work same as he puts in was all

[@HammerPowered]

I feel like a broken record when I comment but damn is this stuff fascinating. Old boy could tell stories for hours with all the years he had working at that track. Love it that you're showing this kind of stuff. Time only happens once.

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you’re here man

[@weirdscience1]

"Time only happens once"..... So true, yet so easy to lose sight of.

[@KEIFabrication]

That was cool. I must say, I am one of Dale Sr's biggest fans. But I am an even bigger fan now that I know he drank a beer with the track maintenance manager, and plugged up Rusty's shower drain. Priceless!

[@Stapleton42]

😂😂😂

[@MCscarfacematt]

i love hearing the old timers with all the first hand experiences geting excited to talk about and share the history

[@mattthemorningafter]

Man Mitchell I got nothing but respect for you and the direction that you have taken your channel. No matter how fast you gain subscribers, you keep putting your whole heart into it. I like the mid of repair, and automotive work and the racing history stuff it's a great mix and you can really tell you love what you're doing. Keep up the content bro.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you sir

[@twisted2291]

While the races, and drivers history has been well preserved. The tracks and the stories from behind the scenes haven't. So glad to see you stepping in and taking on that role. The amount of work that went in to make just one event happen is incredible. And tons of off the track stories to be shared. Thanks for digging into the background.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man

[@quickdeuce]

Indeed, seems the previous to Mitchell documentarys are only interested in working on the glitz and glamor,, this is the REAL side of racing. Without guys like Ronnie those races could not have happened. Good on ya Mitchell, there's hundreds of story's to be told and we fans believe YOU and Logan are the couple to dig up what those and NHRA strips of old had to do to make the glamor happen. Thank you. Ohh,, by the by, keep this up and you can box up your Monte, ship it to Kevin Smith at KSR for a total, ground up redu that will not leave you stranded on the side of the road :)

[@handymansteve]

kevin would make that car run and handle better than original.... THEN upgrade everything to best standards that mitchell asked for on the budget.... KSR is top notch

[@stevenroberts1392]

This never gets old. It is immensely cool the history you're digging up. Getting to see Ron getting to relive some memories and provide some identity to the artifacts was a pretty badass bonus. I'm a big nerd for this stuff. Reviving an old track, regardless of the amount of work would be a dream job. Keep it up, appreciate y'all.

[@gcrauwels941]

The stories Ronnie had and the history you uncovered were epic!! This was way too cool. 👍👍👍👍

[@davedollar4]

I could sit and listen to Ronnie tell stories for hours. What an interesting man. Hello from the other side of the world in New Zealand.

[@jordanwhinery9298]

Maan, multiple liftimes worth of stories.. Thank you for digging into all of the awesome things that are slowly forgotten about. Killing it!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!

[@matthewconway1494]

Those Earnhardt stories from the former manager were awesome. Especially the track history. R.i.p Dale.

[@theotherbrent]

You are the only one i know of that is telling a story and revisiting history. I did not expect this when i subscribed a long time ago. I have enjoyed watching you and your channel grow. Only complaint i have is not enough RUGER.

[@TheOGrivrrat]

Incredible! I could look at that stuff and listen to the history all day. This is probably the best NASCAR history video you’ve done so far!!

[@davidpastor9976]

It is impressive the time you have spent in telling these stories, documenting the history of the tracks, the shops, the personalities, and the characters from the heyday of NASCAR. You are pretty much "The History Guy" for the race fans. Well done. Just getting caught up on all of your videos.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you David 💪🏻

[@JonnySouthSide]

I remember the Winston ladies looking good, handing out free packs of Winston's from there neck strapped trays back then...the good old days at the rock. My dad would take me every time we could afford it. Great video respect.

[@wickedtreasuresrillc5252]

Charge a few bucks for tours and such to help fund the repairs ? This place is # 2 on the list of tracks that need to be brought back. Grass roots!

[@heatstroke584]

Another awesome video thank you for sharing, I lived in Raleigh for 12 years it would make the trip twice a year to rockingham, I took my mom to her very first race there and her driver Bobby labonte won the race February 2000, my mom has since passed so these videos bring back great memories awesome job.

[@KADoodlez]

I was at that race! Dale Sr was second! Loved the rock

[@heatstroke584]

@@KADoodlez absolutely true. ROCK On.

[@franko2772]

this is why i love racing, theres hundreds of these guys that have incredible stories...i can watch this stuff over and over!!!!!! GREAT VIDEO

[@Fordman6546]

Those stories were super funny. Using a reefer unit as a air conditioner had me dying laughing and ya you are the Indian Jones of nascar history. Wish I had the time to go digging around in my area.

[@kenwolfe6093]

They aren’t or weren’t ever reefers. They are A/C units made specifically for mobile offices, portable classrooms and similar. They are what “mini split” systems replaced.

[@BamaPrince1]

Yup I have been so busy at work ive had to save all your videos to my playlists lol so I can watch them all

[@apeeric]

Love it brother! Keep on, keepin on that deep Rabbit hole! 🕳 I’m in it for the long haul, love getting to re-live all of this history you get to put your hands on and your eyes to feast on! Having these videos available to us is now something we can keep as a KZbin history log and can share with other NASCAR history nerds like us crazy folk! Can’t wait to see what’s next to uncover 💪🏻💪🏻 Keep killing it mane, also super excited to see some of your projects finally back ripping down the 1320! 💨💨

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks dude I appreciate you. We are getting to building soon!

[@apeeric]

@@Stapleton42 absolutely, hope one day at one of these race events like RaceWeek or Something we can cross paths! Would love to pick your brain, you’ve gotten to experience some priceless opportunities! Keep grinding and we’ll be here to support the journey! What’s the first ride we should expect back in full ripper Mode?? ➡️➡️ some behind the scenes insider info here!

[@bcbloc02]

This video reminds me of industrial history. Nobody documents that stuff but years later it leaves so many unanswered questions. You are answering those questions now.

[@jeffreywilliams5072]

Just heard Rockingham got a $9 million dollar grant for upgrades and they gonna pave the track and put lights up all the way around the track. I don’t think they would put that kind of money in it if they wouldn’t planning on something coming back

[@richardparker3226]

Thank you Mitch 🙏

[@uncfans]

Great stuff man. Brings back alot of memories. I went to every race there from the mid 80's on, including the last. As i still only live 45 min away. To this day i still hate what nascar did to The Rock by moving the dates untill no one wanted to go, just so they could take away the races. It was tough sitting at the top of the rock in february. Would freeze to death.

[@victorblack7104]

Hey, Dude! I live in Daytona Beach! Been going to DIS since 1959! Worked there '92-'94! Couple of the most exciting years of my life! Worked parking/security mostly outside turn 4. Didn't meat many drivers. One driver parked his coach outside turn 4 every year. Parking supers were mostly a'holes, but this driver always made sure we were fed regular...AT HIS TABLE. He'd bring us coffee and doughnuts on his golf cart. That driver's name was...Dave Marcis.

[@Stapleton42]

That’s awesome

[@puppettmasterr]

i live in Laurinburg and i would have never seen this stuff if it wasn't for you this is awesome

[@shaunlatter5263]

If from Australia n NASCAR wasn't really big down here why growing up. But I'm loving learning all about it on you channel. N getting pumped to see the new shop up n running. Keep doing what you doing.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Right on, just saw this posted! Very cool! Love hearing all this history right from the people who were originally involved.

[@mikep4823]

Wow again you have me on the edge of my seat listening to this man talk about the good days of stock car racing. Ron sure has great stories to tell. Keep it up greatest channel on KZbin for old Nascar memories.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@so-fla.streetcars]

Man I wish I could sit there and listen to that fellow's stories of a good days for the rest of time

[@g_men2121]

I love older nascar stuff. The old winston cup series banners look cooool

[@lifewiththelakes]

I love the history on your channel. Best automotive channel on KZbin in my opinion. Keep up the good work!

[@openoutlaw]

Man love the NASCAR history videos. I'll be retiring in 7 years and i would love to visit some of those historic places. I was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah Georgia from 1990 to 1992 and even there, NASCAR was huge. I was born and raised in California and growing up the closest track to me Sears Point now Sonoma Raceway I think. Always been a NASCAR fan and it puts a smile on my face to see all the history of it that you are putting out. Great work.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we’re glad you’re here

[@JaredR1996]

If this track could be on the NASCAR schedule for Truck, Xfinity, and Cup (even ARCA) I would be so excited

[@Crispy1320]

I was literally just double-checking on both KZbin and Instagram to see if you release to video when I seen you I was like yes. And to see that it's another NASCAR history video even better

[@Robiko9]

You said that you’re glad us as viewers are here. But in all honesty I’m glad you’re doing what u do. I was born in 95 and watched nascar since then. It’s changed a lot and the stuff you’ve been doing is digging up what I consider the golden years. Love the videos man, keep it up

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you man. That is the perfect situation right there and what we hope to find!

[@Andyspeeder7]

This is fookin awesome big guy , keep digging stay safe big stuff..... fookin awesome

[@Blue-rw9kj]

Cool, hope you piece together the old sign, I went to the first race there back in 1965, Curtis Turner won, keep up the good work. I'm still just a few miles away, got quite a few pics of racing down there.

[@mattyduncan4679]

Your channel is so amazing. I grew up as a kid in the 90s. My dad was a huge nascar fan and I remember all these cars and tracks of that era. So to see the behind the scenes of all of it is absolutely fascinating to me now that I’m in my 30s.

[@adriane7841]

It's like He's been waiting for someone to tell these stories to. Hope you continue to find more hidden gems

[@wyattsexton7083]

really awesome stuff! Thank you!

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you’re here man!

[@StarvieCarvie]

You knocking it out the park on these interviews Stapleton!!!

[@mikeramsey7693]

Pretty neat to see the inside history of NASCAR. Don’t stop now. Thanks.

[@Stapleton42]

We won’t! Thanks man

[@M4HY3MSH4RD]

I love listening to you passion about Nascar history brother! It fells like you are the David Attenborough of Nascar history, I have never been a Nascar person, but you have me interested in Nascar history!

[@thebear3589]

Cool stories...my last visit to The Rock was the fall race of '94..Sr won the race that day and clinched his 7th championship...I was and will always be a DE fan for life..3 Da man fan...4 life..

[@chrisrcarraher8800]

Keep building on your momentum dude, this is awesome! I grew up watching these nascar races in the 80s and 90s when I was a kid. We need to recognize how great this sport was back then!

[@tripprogers4814]

I would love to see you do the same thing for NHRA History, Think about this: The TOP FUEL CARS in the '70s used to run times in the 1/4mile that are extremely similar to what the LSXcalade does!!

[@Stapleton42]

I could but it personally doesn't fascinate me as much if I'm being honest lol

[@scottsouthard9156]

I don't remember how I found your channel but man I'm glad I did! All of them are great but by far this one is the best! I bet Ronnie could tell tales for days. Your fortunate enough to get to meet people and be able to share with us these stories and you get the opportunity to do what you love. And the behind the scenes stories of the history of Rockingham was great.

[@RebelRacer99]

I could listen to these kinda stories all day.

[@mrpierini1]

@stapleton42 man I'm soo frickin glad you moved brother these last few videos are some of the best I actually get amped up when a new video drops keep them coming this history needs to told and heard 🇺🇸💪

[@birdman2010life]

WOW!!! Look At That New Shop!!!! Nice!!! 😁

[@zacharyfischer7845]

Man I love seeing videos like this . That man’s soul was glowing sharing those memories. And to be frank it’s probably the last time he will ever think about some of that stuff

[@dustinquarles6793]

These videos are fantastic. I also have a hat signed bye Dale Sr. It’s a Camo Braves hat, he was in Jackson MS at a car dealership. Wish mine had the personal note that Ronnie had.

[@stumphole8217]

thats one of the round unacal signs, they had an actual ball outside of turn 4. also the abandoned gas station beside the track was a unical it had a ball too., lonnie Walker used to run it and my dad would stop by after work for a beer or 12

[@offgridwoodworld]

Instant classic, awesome walk around interview, I wonder how many people are packing rags in poop--tubes

[@11secghia]

"HELP ME TOM CRUISE "!!! WAS FILMED THERE??? WOW.....WOW!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO,this is almost as good as that old timey racin!!

[@Stapleton42]

😂 thanks man

[@MCCRITTERS]

Thanks for capturing all this history! Very entertaining look back and see the roots of Rockingham from one who lived it.

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JJA1987]

Keep it Up Mitch - Loved The Mark Vids - The Rockingham Vids are becoming special too

[@mt375hp]

Thank you for the history lesson. This is getting better and better.

[@StevecZ28]

I loved this video. Love hearing all the old stories.

[@JonsGarage89]

THIS IS AWESOME!!! I passed by the track a month or so ago on a delivery. Never thought Id see all of this. Keep it up!

[@gregsimon9061]

Thanks Mitchell, awesome video. Absolutely love the history, I was lucky enough to be there for a lot of it.

[@Stapleton42]

thats awesome man

[@vanslawson2329]

This is awesome. The old the past of NASCAR. You are doing great things. Love the videos. You really got to get hooked up with Dale Jr. With lost speedways you go further in depth than he does. Keep doing what you are doing it's awesome.

[@Stapleton42]

I’d love to

[@jaredotfc7433]

You know I’ve been watching the test and listening to drivers talk about the new cup car. Especially how Dale jr said he was surprised at how well the new car did at such a small racetrack Bowman gray stadium. I think it would be awesome to see NASCAR try to reach out and go to smaller racetracks. Like they did back in the day

[@ahrentelford1391]

These videos have been great, keep the racing history alive before it's all forgotten.

[@theonionman]

Great video!!! Always love to hear "Dale" stories too. If you ever need a hand my daughter Daytona and I are right up the road in Troutman. Keep up the great work!!!👍🇺🇲🏁

[@wyatt007]

Love this, thanks for taking the time to edit this and share with us. My fiancé lives less than a mile from the Nazareth track in PA and it’s so neat to look at. Andrettis live a few miles away as well. Was cool to hear Ronnie talk about that some

[@Spike-sk7ql]

I miss races from Nazareth.

[@simongreen247]

God love listening to old school peoples stories so so interesting thank you Guys

[@omcoffroad1355]

Man back when NASCAR was worth watching. Brings back memories for me so freakin rad to see you doing this Mitchell so sweet

[@onedayatatime4232]

What a great story you have aired today. That gentleman was a wealth of knowledge. Love watching this sort of entertainment. Your enthusiasm shows through in your videos. Well done .

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man

[@jamiehess6443]

I have absolutely no idea how I missed this video, I'm glad to see you made the track to Markingham. I absolutely loved this track.

[@JohnRoberts71]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you too

[@mikehoncho658]

This is awesome, every time I think you’ve outdone yourself and there’s no way you can make another banger you prove me wrong

[@philipkeckiv9035]

This is great, something else I didn't know I loved to watch haha

[@andymckittrick3252]

This is incredible, I love the stories of old nascar! Sure would love to see a race here!

[@Stapleton42]

us too man

[@charlesroller5844]

The first video was great, but having Ronnie on this one is next level. Thanks

[@rickmarin1265]

Happy Thanks Giving to Both of you and family's :) :) :)

[@suncoaster8578]

I just received my ICT t-shirt today, and thank you for the note and the sticker. Love your channel.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we appreciate you

[@victortavano1611]

Thanks again man enjoyed the history!

[@richardparker7168]

God bless you for not forgetting the old tracks... please keep revisiting. Great stories and questions from the old timers!

[@abbaconstruction4535]

I love the ole days of Nascar racing. I'm so happy you are digging up bones of days past. Can't wait to see what you discover next!

[@cablepupp]

Wow I remember a lot of that back in the 80s early 90s 76 Unocal and Budweiser.... We were with Kodak and racing images our booth was party central. Most races I vaguely remember the winner and Dale Sr. memories run deep there!

[@K-TrainProductions]

For those who may not know. Rockingham was just got approved from the state for $9 Million to use to upgrade the track. According to their Twitter it's getting repaved and lights added. Also the Unical 76 signs most likely have been back there since 2003. Because Sunoco took over NASCAR fuel in 2004.

[@michaelkiefrieder9354]

Yo keep doing u man .The history of they great Tracks needs to Remember..

[@controlpadblues]

My god I love this series of videos - thank you so much for what you do! Also, that whiteboard with all the driver names, cautions, etc, appears to be from the 1995 AC Delco 500, the race Ward Burton got his first win. That whiteboard is literally a snapshot in time. Amazing stuff.

[@Stapleton42]

Interesting I’ll look that up!

[@austinmeeks4667]

Rewatching days of thunder tonight, and you can actually see the big 76 sign when it flips to Rockingham, during the beginning when cole is wrecking the car, before Harry tells him to hit the pace car.

[@overdosed51]

Those old signs get my heart pumping. Freaking loving this channel

[@Stapleton42]

Me too!

[@davidgraves4256]

I cant begin to tell you how much your videos mean to me. I love the history of the sport. When I was growing up my father and I would attend Nascar races a couple times a year. Watching your videos and reliving the history that I remember so well brings back great memories. Thank you for that. I love all your merch designs. I hope to purchase some when I can afford to. Thank you!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

This was fascinating. Thanks for doing what you're doing.

[@Crispy1320]

The new shop is looking really good definitely nice and bright white hopefully you get some good Lighting in there and start cranking on some projects

[@jeffs8927]

Great video. Loved seeing the old items and stories to go with it all. Keep it up. .

[@stevesidden9584]

Great show I understand that North Wilkesboro Speedway will soon be hosting races again sure hope so. always like Rockingham track slick track slick to drive on though but lot of fun stay safe my friends God bless👍👍

[@jtyoung706]

Dude I love this series on The Rock! This let's me live my childhood over again. This was one of my favorite tracks to watch back when I first got introduced to neverending lefts. It would be so cool to see big races here again!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man me too

[@Pwg1985]

Ole Ronnie. Probably forgot more storys then he can remember. Lol great video guy👌

[@jaredotfc7433]

Dude it’s awesome what you’re doing. Your videos just keep getting better and better. Keep up the good work man.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man

[@SharkysGarageRCandMore]

#SAWChequredFlagSquad (C.F.S) watching to the very end of every video ! Another awesome video, thankyou for doing this ! Really enjoyed it !