As NASCAR gears up for its long-awaited return to Rockingham Speedway, legendary driver Richard Petty and his son Kyle Petty have taken a moment to reflect on the historic track that played a pivotal role in their racing journeys. For the Petty family, “The Rock” is more than a raceway—it’s a cherished piece of their personal and professional legacy.
Richard Petty, affectionately known as “The King,” won three Cup Series races at Rockingham during his illustrious career. He vividly remembers the intensity of the track and the bond it fostered between competitors and fans.
“Rockingham was always a driver’s track,” Richard shared. “It was rough, it was fast, and it demanded everything from you. You couldn’t fake it out there—you had to earn every inch. That’s what made winning here so special.”
The 1.017-mile oval, known for its gritty surface and tire-wearing layout, last hosted a NASCAR national series race in 2013. Now, over a decade later, its revival has stirred powerful emotions for many in the NASCAR community—none more so than the Pettys.
Kyle Petty, who grew up in the garage before becoming a NASCAR star in his own right, remembers Rockingham not just as a race track, but as a place of family tradition and personal milestones.
“I remember walking these pits as a kid, watching my dad race, and dreaming of the day I’d get behind the wheel here,” Kyle said. “By the time I was racing at Rockingham, it felt like coming home. There’s something about this place—the way the fans show up, the history in the walls—you don’t forget that.”
The father-son duo reminisced about cold February race days, pit road battles, and long nights in the garage preparing for one of the sport’s most grueling tracks. For Richard, it was a proving ground. For Kyle, it was a bridge between generations.
With NASCAR’s return to Rockingham set to bring back the thunder of stock cars to North Carolina, the Pettys believe it’s more than just a race—it’s a reconnection to the roots of the sport.
“This place was built on grit, and so was NASCAR,” Richard said. “Bringing it back isn’t just good for racing, it’s good for the soul of the sport.”
As NASCAR fans prepare for a new chapter at Rockingham, the memories shared by Richard and Kyle Petty serve as a poignant reminder of the track’s enduring legacy—and the families, like theirs, who helped build it.
