Excitement Awaits: The Return of Rockingham Speedway in the 2026 NASCAR Series Lineup
In a thrilling move for motorsport fans, the legendary Rockingham Speedway will once again take center stage in NASCAR’s 2026 Cup Series schedule, which is marked by a grueling calendar featuring just two off-weekends throughout the year. This iconic track, known for its challenging layout and vibrant history, is set to welcome the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) during Easter weekend, alongside the ARCA Menards East Series.
A Historic Venue with a Colorful Past
Rockingham Speedway, often referred to as “The Rock,” has undergone a rollercoaster of changes over the years. It has been through multiple ownership transitions and experienced years of inactivity, yet it remains a cherished venue among racing enthusiasts. With its doors first opening in 1965, the track was once a staple in the Cup Series calendar until 2004. After a brief revival for Truck races between 2012 and 2013, the NASCAR community celebrated its return to the schedule in 2025, marking a new chapter for this storied venue.
Last Year’s Winners and This Year’s Competitors
The excitement of the races has grown profoundly since last year, where Sammy Smith secured a notable victory in the NOAPS while Tyler Ankrum triumphed in the NCTS. This year is no different, with a whopping 38 trucks vying for 36 spots on the Truck Series entry list. The stakes are high, especially since all 38 O’Reilly entries are set to compete, eliminating the worry of any driver missing out on the exciting show.
Originally, there were 39 entries for the O’Reilly race, but fans learned that AM Racing had withdrawn the No. 25 of Nick Sanchez, making way for a competitive lineup. Additionally, 24 teams are ready to make their presence felt in the ARCA East races heading to Rockingham, promising an electrifying weekend of motorsport action.
Notable Entrants to Watch
While many seasoned drivers are gearing up for this spectacular weekend, a few names stand out. One in particular, Garrett Mitchell—popularly known as Cleetus McFarland—will be making his debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series driving the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. His recent testing day at Rockingham has fans buzzing with anticipation. Moreover, he’ll also participate in the ARCA East race, joined by his friend George Siciliano, a newcomer who made his debut at Hickory.
In an unexpected twist, the only full-time Cup drivers to race this weekend instead of taking a vacation are Carson Hocevar from Spire Motorsports and Ty Dillon from Kaulig Racing, both competing in the Truck race. As the series continues its march toward 2026, driver lineups will evolve as well, with Corey LaJoie now taking the reins of the No. 10 machine following Daniel Dye’s departure from the team after his recent suspension.
Among the returning competitors is the 2025 Truck Series champion, Corey Heim, racing with TRICON after an exhilarating victory at Darlington where he clinched it with a dramatic last-lap pass. Notably, Sammy Smith is the sole driver planning to compete in both the O’Reilly and Truck races, ramping up the excitement as he seeks to build on his success.
Entry Lists: The Road Ahead
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Entry List
Here’s a glance at the remarkable lineup for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, showcasing the talent that will rev up the crowd at Rockingham:
| No. | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Garrett Smithley | SS-Green Light Racing |
| 00 | Sheldon Creed | Haas Factory Team |
| 1 | Carson Kvapil | JR Motorsports |
| 2 | Jesse Love | Richard Childress Racing |
| 8 | Sammy Smith | JR Motorsports |
| 7 | Justin Allgaier | JR Motorsports |
| 17 | Corey Day | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 18 | William Sawalich | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 20 | Brandon Jones | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 33 | Cleetus McFarland | Richard Childress Racing |
(Additional entries can be seen above, highlighting seasoned and emerging talents alike.)
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Entry List
The Truck Series promises to be exhilarating with its own impressive roster:
| No. | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corey Heim | TRICON Garage |
| 7 | Sammy Smith | Spire Motorsports |
| 10 | Corey LaJoie | Kaulig Racing |
| 77 | Carson Hocevar | Spire Motorsports |
| 38 | Chandler Smith | Front Row Motorsports |
| 18 | Tyler Ankrum | McAnally-Hilgemann Racing |
| 33 | Frankie Muniz | Team Reaume |
ARCA Menards Series East Entry List
The budding talents in the ARCA Menards Series East are set to make waves as well:
| No. | Driver |
|---|---|
| 0 | George Siciliano |
| 10 | Craig Pellegrini Jr. |
| 19 | Austin Vaughan |
| 28 | Carson Brown |
| 30 | Cleetus McFarland |
Conclusion: The Countdown to Rockingham
As fans eagerly await the event, the stage is set for exhilarating racing action at Rockingham Speedway. With an impressive mix of veterans, up-and-coming stars, and unique personalities like Cleetus McFarland stepping into competitive roles, this Easter weekend promises to be unforgettable.
The return of Rockingham signifies more than just another race; it’s a revival of a storied venue that has captured the hearts of motorsports fans for decades. As the engines roar to life, history will intertwine with modern-day racing excitement, reminding everyone why they love this sport. Make sure to tune in and witness the unfolding drama unfold at one of NASCAR’s most beloved tracks!