THE ROCK BRINGS CROWDS
TOGETHER FOR VARIETY OF
EVENTS
F
or more than a half century,
Rockingham Dragway has been
drawing visitors to the Sandhills
region with entertainment options ranging
from rock concerts to lifestyle events, car
shows to motorcycle rallies, corporate
getaways to driving schools and, of course,
lots and lots of drag racing.
Within the last year, the track on U.S.
Highway 1 has welcomed guests from all
50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean,
Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and
Australia. No one yet from Antarctica, as far
as we know, but track owner Steve Earwood
says he’s working on it.
Most of those who have visited would not
have been exposed to the wonders of the
region, its resources, comfortable weather,
friendly people and business opportunities if
not for The Rock’s diverse schedule.
Since purchasing the track from the original
owners in 1992, Earwood has transformed
it into one of the most active facilities in
the country with events
beginning in February and
extending into December.
The track takes great
pride in the fact that most
of the events are family
friendly with attractions
and diversions for both
youngsters and adults.
“Outdoor entertainment venues like ours
face a lot of challenges,” Earwood said, “but
the payback is the satisfaction of being told
that you delivered on what you promised; or
that the people had a great time and plan to
come back again. That’s the response we’re
looking for every time we open the gates.”
The Rock will open those gates 40 weekends
this year, starting in mid-February with
the first of its recurring MXA Motorsports
Street Drags events that this year, for the
first time, feature Jr. Street co-drags in
which aspiring 13-16 year-olds can drive
competitively in street legal vehicles as long
as they are accompanied by an adult.
In addition to participant events like those
in the MXA Series, the 2020 schedule
includes a host of feature events including
the Original Super Chevy Show, the NHRA
Lucas Oil Series, the AHDRA Nitro Spring
Nationals and the AMRA All-Harley World
Finals.
But The Rock isn’t just hot rods and
horsepower. The track has hosted several
major concerts and constantly is in contact
with promoters regarding additional
opportunities. Mark Cuban’s Rugged Maniac
series is about people trying to negotiate a
challenging obstacle course on their hands
and knees and the Red, White and Fun
Southern Festival is music, food and games.
February-March 2020 • 67