$1 Million Worth of Track Upgrades Including Installation of SAFER Barrier System
Rockingham, N.C. – Sept. 7, 2011 – Rockingham Speedway is pleased to announce that Richmond County and the city of Rockingham, N.C., will once again be home to NASCAR-sanctioned racing with the addition of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Good Sam Roadside Assistance 200 on April 15, 2012.
“In 2007, we set a goal to return Rockingham Speedway to its roots,” states Andy Hillenburg, president of Rockingham Speedway. “The introduction of the truck series to Rockingham Speedway is representative of years of hard work and the support of the county, city and state government officials, who understood the positive economic impact a NASCAR-sanctioned race could offer to the Piedmont region. We are very excited about this news and know our supporters are just as proud to have Rockingham’s national racing roots become a reality once again.”
Good Sam Club, the world’s largest RV owners’ organization will serve as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway, while Cheerwine, legendary soft drink of the south will serve as presenting sponsor.
“We are thrilled about the return of NASCAR racing at Rockingham Speedway and we’re even more excited to have a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event on the schedule for 2012,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World & Good Sam. “The Rock has a rich tradition of hosting tough racing and thrilling finishes, and we expect the same to hold true next April. We look forward to being a part of next year’s race and exposing those avid fans to the Good Sam RV products and services.”
Rockingham Speedway, affectionately known as “The Rock,” will begin safety improvements to its race track this fall. One improvement will include the installation of a Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier, known as the SAFER barrier system, which is a required feature for all top three tier NASCAR-sanctioned race tracks to help improve driver safety. Additional upgrades will be made to the track’s scoring system and pit road, as well as other aesthetic improvements.
“NASCAR is looking forward to returning to Rockingham Speedway with a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event in 2012,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice-president for Racing Operations. “The fans and community have shown strong support and the track is making significant improvements to its facility. We appreciate all the hard work by Andy Hillenburg and his staff to get to this point. It should be a fun event.”
ABOUT ROCKINGHAM SPEEDWAY
Founded in 1965, Rockingham Speedway is a one-mile asphalt race track located 10 miles outside of Rockingham, N.C. in Richmond County. For over 40 years the race track held NASCAR sanctioned events. In 2007, the race track was purchased by former NASCAR driver, Andy Hillenburg, and now plays host to several regional and nationally-sanctioned touring events each year. The speedway is also home to the Fast Track Driving School, a stock car racing experience. For more information about Rockingham Speedway visit www.rockinghamspeedway.com.
ABOUT CAMPING WORLD & GOOD SAM CLUB
Camping World, www.campingworld.com, is America’s #1 source for RVs, camping accessories, RV maintenance and repair, and the Good Sam Club, www.goodsamclub.com, is the world’s largest RV owners organization, offering helpful technical tips, vacation planning, extended warranties, magazine subscriptions, roadside assistance and more to serve the outdoor enthusiast. Both Camping World and Good Sam Club were founded in 1966 and are partnered together today to offer more to those who love the RV lifestyle, with one-stop shopping and resources for everything RV and outdoor.
Camping World features over 8,000 quality products located at over 75 SuperCenters nationwide, easy online and catalog shopping as well as a wide selection of new and used trailers and motorhomes from top RV manufacturers. Good Sam Club members receive cost-saving benefits and services, plus loads of valuable RV information and travel tips to get you ready for your next adventure. The Good Sam Club also represents more than 2,000 local RV chapters designed to bring RVers together from similar geographic regions for group camping excursions. Camping World is the title sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in addition to the Official RV and Outdoor Retailer of NASCAR.
ABOUT CHEERWINE: Born in the South, Raised in a Glass.
Launched in 1917 by L.D. Peeler, Cheerwine is a soft drink with a flavor that always surprises. It is an iconic brand from North Carolina. Owned and distributed by the Carolina Beverage Corporation in Salisbury, N.C., the 94-year-old company is still privately owned and managed by the same founding family; four generations of whom have worked there. Cliff Ritchie leads Cheerwine as president and CEO. Cheerwine is available in supermarkets and convenience stores in select states nationwide and on the website at www.Cheerwine.com.
