NASCAR to return to Rockingham?

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. NASCAR will return to Rockingham Speedway for the first time since 2004 with a Camping World Truck Series event April 15, 2012. Track owner Andy Hillenburg already had announced he would add SAFER barriers to the facility, which was a requirement to get a NASCAR national touring series race.

“In 2007, we set a goal to return Rockingham Speedway to its roots," Hillenburg said in a news release. “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 arm of series sponsor Camping World that focuses on recreational vehicle owners, will be the title sponsor of the race while soft-drink company Cheerwine will be the presenting sponsor of the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 200.

“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 race will be part of a revamped truck schedule in 2012. Nashville Superspeedway, which had two races in 2011, won’t have any in 2012. Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis also might not be on the schedule, which could also include other adjustments from 2011.

“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."

09/03/11 Governor Bev Perdue and Rockingham Speedway owner, Andy Hillenburg are scheduled to make a joint announcement on the facility's growth and the potential economic boost it will have to Richmond County, the city of Rockingham and the state of North Carolina (Rockingham Speedway), rumor has it that the track will get a NASCAR Truck Series race in 2012 according to Jayski.com.