ROCKINGHAM — Questions about transparency regarding the use of public funds at Richmond County’s historic racing venues have led the owners of one of the tracks to issue a statement in an attempt to offer "clarification."
During a live video on social media Oct. 19, Kenny Nowling — who announced that he became president of Rockingham Speedway in August — raised several questions about state funding allocated to both that track and neighboring Rockingham Dragway in recent years.
Specifically, Nowling queried about the decision in late 2024 to reallocate $2 million — which had initially been set aside for a proposed pedestrian bridge across U.S. 1 to connect the facilities.
On Tuesday, the owners of Rockingham Dragway issued a lengthy statement about that funding, as well as the approved grant from the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund by the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Following is the statement from Rockingham Dragway, with minor style edits, notes, and related links to previous RO stories:
Regarding State Funding, Infrastructure Improvements, and Economic Development
Rockingham Dragway has chosen not to engage in ongoing public debate surrounding state funding for Rockingham's motorsports facilities. However, recent discussions warrant clarification based on documented facts, financial accountability, and the economic opportunities these investments have helped create.
It is important to distinguish between two entirely separate funding programs: the North Carolina Department of Transportation pedestrian bridge allocation and the N.C. Major Events and Attractions Fund.
Pedestrian Bridge Funding and Reallocation
In July 2024, the Richmond County Manager and NCDOT brought a proposed pedestrian bridge connecting Rockingham Speedway and Rockingham Dragway to the attention of both facilities.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Former governor Roy Cooper had previously proposed funding for a pedestrian bridge in 2019 .)
The project had $2 million in allocated funding, but an estimated construction cost of $6–8 million, leaving a $4–6 million shortfall. Neither facility, Richmond County, nor NCDOT was financially positioned to cover the additional construction costs or assume long-term maintenance responsibilities.
The bridge was originally conceived when NASCAR crowds approached 50,000 spectators. Since then, Rockingham Speedway's seating capacity has been reduced to approximately 20,000, significantly changing its parking requirements.
Actual event attendance further demonstrated the reduced need. Rockingham Speedway accommodated its NASCAR attendance on its own property, while Rockingham Dragway accommodated nearly all parking for 18,000 single-day spectators at the 2022 Street Outlaws event on owned and leased property north of U.S. Highway 1.
Any cross-facility parking arrangements were coordinated business opportunities, not necessities resulting from insufficient parking capacity.
With anticipated bridge usage limited to approximately once annually, the project's cost, funding shortfall, and maintenance obligations could not be justified by demonstrated operational needs.
Documented Infrastructure Needs
Before learning of the bridge proposal, Rockingham Dragway had already documented and submitted approximately $1.7 million in necessary grandstand renovations and other improvements. Rockingham Speedway had identified approximately $300,000 in needed septic system repairs.
Although the Dragway initially proposed dividing the available $2 million equally, the final reallocation reflected documented infrastructure needs at both facilities.
Importantly, this decision occurred before NASCAR returned to Rockingham Speedway in April 2025 and approximately 18 months before Rockingham Dragway was selected to host the NHRA Nationals at The Rock.
The facilities faced different challenges.
Rockingham Speedway needed infrastructure improvements to properly accommodate NASCAR's return.
Rockingham Dragway faced a more significant obstacle. Years of deterioration had left its grandstands in a condition unsuitable for an NHRA National Event. NHRA specifically identified grandstand and spectator seating improvements as necessary for consideration.
RO file photo
Without those renovations, Rockingham Dragway would not have been positioned to secure the NHRA Nationals.
Rather than leaving $2 million committed to a financially infeasible bridge, with the possibility of those funds being redirected to other NCDOT projects, the reallocation addressed tangible infrastructure needs and helped position both facilities for major national events.
N.C. Major Events and Attractions Fund
The N.C. Major Events and Attractions Fund is entirely separate from the NCDOT infrastructure allocation.
Its purpose is to attract significant events to North Carolina and encourage spending that directly benefits businesses throughout the state.
The program reimburses up to 50% of eligible, documented expenses incurred in North Carolina for approved event-related activities, subject to grant limits. Approval does not guarantee payment of the approved amount.
NHRA projected $1 million in qualifying expenses, while Rockingham Dragway projected $2 million. Neither organization spent its full projected amount because of actual financial limitations. Reimbursement is based on eligible expenditures incurred, not projected budgets.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Rockingham Speedway and Track Enterprises were approved for a similar grant in 2025, as well as in 2026. The latter, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce, was for $2,250,000.
In addition to the two grants approved in Richmond County, the department also approved the following grants for 2026: $1,600,000 for the NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem; $1,472,000 for The Soccer Tournament 7v7 at Wake Med Soccer Park, Cary; $750,000 for the World Cup Soccer Sendoff Game at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte; $1,260,000 for the Window World 450 NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway; $2,028,950 for the MLS All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium; $995,000 for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center, Charlotte; $984,850 for the Veolia Pickleball National Championships at Cary Tennis Park; $3,167,770 for the Biltmore Championship Asheville (PGA golf) at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Arden; and $325,000 for the HBCU Battle of the Bands at First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, scheduled for Nov.8.)
Financial Accountability and Public Support
Rockingham Dragway has maintained financial accountability throughout these processes. All funding sources have been subject to audits, review, and appropriate approvals, with every dollar accounted for.
We welcome factual questions and appropriate oversight. However, unsupported allegations risk creating unnecessary division and undermining future support for motorsports investments that benefit communities throughout North Carolina.
We are grateful for the tremendous support received from the community, local businesses, motorsports participants, and public officials.
We particularly appreciate the efforts of state Rep. Ben Moss, R-Richmond, and state Sen. Dave Craven, R-Randolph, whose support for motorsports infrastructure and economic development helped create opportunities with lasting benefits for our region.
Public service is rarely easy, and meaningful accomplishments deserve to be evaluated by their results.
The Bottom Line
The decision to reallocate the $2 million was made before either major event materialized and was based on documented infrastructure needs, financial feasibility, and future economic opportunity.
NASCAR's return required improvements to an existing facility. Securing the NHRA Nationals required substantial renovations that made the Dragway eligible for consideration in the first place.
Without the State of North Carolina's support, neither facility would have been positioned to bring the millions of dollars in economic activity associated with these events to Richmond County and the surrounding region.
The benefits extend beyond the racetracks to hotels, restaurants, retailers, contractors, service providers, and the citizens whose livelihoods depend on a strong local economy.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The 2025 NASCAR race reportedly had an econimic impact of nearly $40 million on Moore and Richmond counties.)
These investments should be judged by their documented use, financial accountability, and measurable economic impact.
The ultimate purpose was never simply to improve two racetracks. It was to strengthen two established economic assets capable of bringing major events, visitors, business opportunities, and lasting economic benefits to Richmond County and North Carolina.
