Abandoned Rockingham Speedway: FULL TOUR! (Hidden NASCAR History In Storage)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2024
  • In 2004 the Subway 400 was the very last NASCAR Cup Series race at the North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham NC. The track was all but forgotten, used sparingly and pillaged for parts in coming years until being completely unattended. This is the first time ANYONE has had the opportunity to document the untouched history of the 260+ acre facility. Now as of 2021 The Rock is under new ownership and is slowly working back into hosting events again! This will be the video to serve future generations as to what a Winston Cup Series facility looked like in all facets back in the golden era early 2000's of NASCAR!
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ความคิดเห็น • 1.5K

  • @markmartin5477
    @markmartin5477 3 ปีที่แล้ว +495

    This is cool 💯

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +68

      I hope this brought back some fond memories of when you tore this place up back in the day 💪🏻

    • @jasonfields2798
      @jasonfields2798 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      THE Mark Martin watched this video... by gosh Markingham is the best comment I have read all year

    • @RoyJenkins777
      @RoyJenkins777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      @@Stapleton42 When Mark Martin comments on your video that's when you know you've made it . Good stuff brother. God Bless

    • @rickmoyerjr2845
      @rickmoyerjr2845 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Loved watching you and the Winston Cup race at the Rock back in the day!

    • @paulym5814
      @paulym5814 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hey Mark how are you doing.

  • @chocolatetownforever7537
    @chocolatetownforever7537 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

    Man, you owe that gentleman a huge thanks for showing you around the track. To say he went out of his way to give you a complete tour of the facility is an understatement, and he did it with such enthusiasm. Without him, this video would still be very interesting, but nowhere near as good.
    What a cool dude.

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I agree Jamie is a super cool guy

    • @rustyshackelford9612
      @rustyshackelford9612 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      That's just how Jamie is as a person as long as I've known him

    • @chocolatetownforever7537
      @chocolatetownforever7537 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@rustyshackelford9612 Youre both lucky to know him. I grew up in the 80s and 90s in what I consider to be the greatest era of NASCAR, and I remember the Rock well.
      Id LOVE to walk around that place and see some of the history. Just watching this video was like going back in time.
      That dude is cool. And knows his stuff.

  • @rjs2005
    @rjs2005 2 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    I'm so glad this track, along with North Wilkesboro are getting the love they so richly deserve. Even if neither track ever hosts another Cup series race, just having the tracks restored and brought back to life will preserve the rich history of racing in the state. As an adopted North Carolinian, I heartily approve and really look forward to attending racing events!

  • @johnsnow1355
    @johnsnow1355 3 ปีที่แล้ว +154

    Your exploration videos are so much better then the illegal break and enter style exploration videos other TH-cam people do where they break in illegally. Having a tour guide and open access makes your video 1000% more enjoyable to go in with permission and help from someone with pretty good knowledge. 🥰

  • @philgee2240
    @philgee2240 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    We have an abandoned Oval here in the UK called Rockingham too... i called the last ever motorcycle race there back in 2018 .. it was built to run Indy Races in europe, but the track had weepers that could never fix. Its now a huge car storage facility... loving this type of content.

    • @darth_autie_117
      @darth_autie_117 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      i was in the pit crew for a Greenpower team a few years ago and my first and last races were at Rockingham

  • @Seven50ml
    @Seven50ml 3 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    Glad to hear that it's being restored. Too many tracks and dragways being torn down or left to rot. Great vid!

    • @mikes.1882
      @mikes.1882 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Expendable cash issues in America

  • @nicefknmodel2201
    @nicefknmodel2201 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My Dad (who wasn't around much) Decided to surprise me and Took me to this track when I was 10... Been hooked since. THANKS FOR BRINGING THIS MEMORY BACK

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That’s awesome man. I’m glad you’re here

  • @18twilliams
    @18twilliams 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I use to go to" bike week" every winter in Dayton with my converted bus and some friends, usually for a month, and always stopped on the way from central Pa. at THE ROCK! I was at the last race and couldn't believe after all the upgrades made they would just close it up! But it was right after #3 had died and everything that was NASCAR would never be the same! I have so many stories about Rockingham great memories now @ 66 is really special! Thanx for doing this series! ps, It always would rain and be a Monday race! made it even better.

    • @johnsnow1355
      @johnsnow1355 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Nascar has made many many questionable choices. From the chase to the car of tomorrow to letting Camaro and mustang body into the top level sport. They are floundering grasping at straws to keep a dieing sport alive. They never understand it's about the drivers and engaging fans emotional support through the drivers personality. Fancy cars and weird track races are a temporary bandaid. The real issue is after Gordon, Earnhardt and the great personality on the 90s left the sport there is a big hole these rich kids buying a cup ride can't fill. Not to mention there is 0 set up now. Cars ride on the bump stops everywhere they race making shocks and springs meaningless. To go fast all u have to do is hit the gas and turn left. Back in the day ride height, sway bars, springs and shocks were a science to make a car go fast. Now they put Honda civic front springs in the car and the shocks do nothing the cars ride on rubber blocks up front where is the science in that.

    • @throttlewatch4614
      @throttlewatch4614 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Richard Petty was the king of nascar but Dale Earnhardt was the Father of NASCAR it all went downhill after Dale was gone

    • @lynnlindsay4480
      @lynnlindsay4480 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I know I'm sad about the old tracks and love them, and less excited about road course races and races out west. That is just not NASCAR. I won't watch those races and even in the 80's I hated Riverside. I despise Phoenix, and Las Vegas. I am pro southern races that go along tracks like Darlington, Atlanta, Bristol, Talladega, Daytona, and that one near Charlotte NC, Martinsville? Martinsdale?

  • @harleyridernh
    @harleyridernh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I am so envy of you, to be able to see this history of Nascar in person. Absolutely loved this, to remember all the history of this track. Unbelievable, thank you so much for sharing the history of the Rock.
    From DW to this unbelievable

  • @lifewiththelakes
    @lifewiththelakes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    So jealous of all the history stuff you guys do. Stoked for this video! Best part of Sunday morning right here!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      We are glad you’re here for it 🤟🏻

  • @Longsnowsm
    @Longsnowsm ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Run what you brung! Elvis on the track! It is amazing the banking on those tracks. I was out on Daytona and was able to walk up that bank and I couldn't believe it. Watching it on TV you get no perspective of just how steep it is.
    Your tour guide didn't say what kind of racing was coming to The Rock. Would be cool to cover some grass roots racing.
    OMG, I have been gone from NASCAR so long I had NO IDEA they abandoned Rockingham!!!! I was on my way out of following the sport by then and only caught a few races here and there after that. I know they were pushing the cookie cutter tracks pretty hard and that is what we saw them building and hosting NASCAR events. The more cookie cutters they put up the less I was interested in watching.
    I guess it figures they would end up pushing tracks out of the rotation. How many other tracks have been affected that I am clueless about? I guess I have to keep digging through your channel videos to figure out what the flapjack is going on. Thank you for doing all this digging into the past.
    I rail on NASCAR losing it's roots and this is textbook example. Just incredible. Can someone please start a grass roots "stock car" racing series? Please. What wins on Sunday sells on Monday... Let the real competition begin. If racing wants a bright future it needs to get back to the roots of this sport.

  • @evanwilliams6406
    @evanwilliams6406 3 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Hopefully they will bring more racing back to this speedway. I never minded Rockingham. The place was challenging and it had character. You could see drivers working it hard in the cars. You don't have tracks like that anymore.

  • @benbarrs5500
    @benbarrs5500 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    In 2007 when Andy Hillenburg owned the track, we raced Bandoleros and Legends cars on an inside road course that also used the front straightaway and turns 3 and 4. We were able to use the pits and all. Great experience.

  • @bennyhelgeson401
    @bennyhelgeson401 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I enjoy old signs. I could not have left that place without something finding its way into my car. Surprising mice and vandals had not destroyed most everything. Great video

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It was abandoned but under watch for most of the time thankfully. It helps that it’s in the middle of nowhere too lol

  • @chandarn78
    @chandarn78 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is so amazing to me. The Rock is where I fell in love with NASCAR! I am happy to see that they are giving it new life!

  • @ernestpaul2484
    @ernestpaul2484 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I am so glad you got to meet Jamie and he hooked you up with an exclusive tour of the track. Not many people have had that opportunity. As a deputy answering the alarms back in the late 80's early 90's, Frank Wilson or Ronnie Chavez would come out and open it up so we could check out the place, (this was on night shift), so I saw the entire place. Of course it was an active track then. Too bad I didn't know you were going to be in town, it would have been nice to meet you guys. Shit happens.

  • @chriswilds2422
    @chriswilds2422 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I sat on the back stretch for the last race in 04. Also spent many weekends there as a kid from 91 all the way to 04. This is an amazing nostalgic video. Thank you

  • @Firekiller2151
    @Firekiller2151 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    As a motorsports history buff, this type of content is awesome! Thanks for taking us along.

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We’re glad you’re here!

  • @Sky1
    @Sky1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I drove my Challenger on that track, love the steep banking

    • @angelbulldog4934
      @angelbulldog4934 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Was that at the open house? I drove on the track, too.

  • @kennyfofo
    @kennyfofo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The best part of these videos is your like a big kid that has found the best candy shop in the whole word and you are in 7th heaven! The history of NASCAR needs to be shown so that it can be resurrected so it can introduce a next generation of racers to the sport!

  • @Chris-ey6rn
    @Chris-ey6rn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Glad to see these historic tracks are being brought back from the dead . The Rock, Atlanta, and hopefully North Wilkesboro

  • @TahoesNTurbos
    @TahoesNTurbos 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    so sad such a legendary and historic track left to decay. so glad its being restored to its former glory and i cant wait to see it back to how we all remember it. Thank You Mitch for showing us this and i would gladly donate to help!!
    Edit: mustache gang!

  • @Tmoneysays
    @Tmoneysays 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You gotta give Stapleton42 credit for helping to bring back such a legendary and iconic racetrack.

  • @michaelcaraway2305
    @michaelcaraway2305 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I first became a Nascar fan when i was in my early teens (about 55 years ago) and have watched a lot of the evolution of the series over the years. I saw Dale when his first at Bristol in person (also many Darrel Waltrip ones over the years of his dominance there). I saw the loss of North Wilksboro and Rockingham as well as one at Darlington. Seeing one or two being restored and possibly used once again feels very good.

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This place will be a staple racetrack again even if nascar doesn’t come back here. They don’t need it

    • @ChurchesMoney
      @ChurchesMoney 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I’m a relative of Wendell Scott.

    • @thebreatheezkeselowskifan6687
      @thebreatheezkeselowskifan6687 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Now both are being restored

  • @greggjarvies8938
    @greggjarvies8938 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great memories. I worked the turn 4 fire/rescue truck at the Rock for five years before working Race Control in the tower for the last two Cup races. Views from the tower were fantastic.

  • @speedhunter7156
    @speedhunter7156 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Thats cool man to see the rock being restored to something that can host races again I can't wait

    • @thunderchaser2042
      @thunderchaser2042 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Rock deserves to be on the Cup Series schedule!

  • @nickp6446
    @nickp6446 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This brought back fond memories for me. Great tour behind the scenes of the track I raced (very fast) go karts on many years ago.
    The Kart had two 135 cc engines and 4 wheel disk brakes. During a practice session I was entering the road course at over 130 mph from the back straight
    and my front brakes failed. My friend who was watching me saw me locking the rear wheels up and trying to slow down enough to make the turn
    (I did barely make it) said he was wondering what had happened. Great times and a lot of fun. Thank you for this great video!

  • @theotherbrent
    @theotherbrent 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Been to Rockingham several times but never got to see the behind the scenes stuff.
    This is an awesome video. Thanks for taking me back to my early 20s.

  • @johngriecosr8723
    @johngriecosr8723 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I never went to this track but loved watching the racing there on the tube. There is so much history and memorabilia that is priceless. That is a lot of work to do these restorations just like the cars raced there and the equipment to support it. Awesome job guys, can't wait to see it finished if I am still around. Great vid and I am sharing with my gearhead buds.

  • @graysonbyass-rascoe4326
    @graysonbyass-rascoe4326 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for your contribution to the vintage nascar community. I loved the rock i went there just to take a pic of the outside. To see inside brings me tears of joy thank you.

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s great to hear man we appreciate your support

    • @graysonbyass-rascoe4326
      @graysonbyass-rascoe4326 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Stapleton42 Yooooo my dude i love you man thanks for responding, you're channel is awesome i hope to see it grow more. I laughed at the rcr video where you went on the red is orange rant about sr's cars lol. Keep it up! Stay safe!

  • @stinger1982
    @stinger1982 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is one of the coolest “urban exploring” videos ever, I think partly because it’s not really abandoned so it’s not typical urban exploring. Having the backstory to so many of your questions that are being asked just takes this video to a next level compared to typical UE videos.
    Super cool video. REALLY enjoyed it

  • @MyNunchakuAAA
    @MyNunchakuAAA 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was one of my favorite tracks on nascar thunder 2003. Glad to hear its being restored

  • @vinceaardal4988
    @vinceaardal4988 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man!!!! Brings back memories. Seen many, many races there. Including the last one!! Camped out on the Hamlet side off the backside!!! I hope this place makes a comeback!!!

  • @chadmilburn1811
    @chadmilburn1811 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is my new favorite TH-cam channel. I went to all the races at The Rock back in the 90s up until they closed. Freaking awesome tour!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks man we will make you proud!

  • @clashwithsirwolf2008
    @clashwithsirwolf2008 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great tour! I was in those suites in the mid 80's. The one I was in was called "The Carolina lounge." You could here the cars some, but there was catered food as well as full bar. Food was free as well as full bar. It came the price paid for the suite. I enjoyed going out and down to get the full sound and rumble of the cars. The races were always in March and October, so it was usually cold and uncomfortable. Just great racing there. The track was more commanding of respect than Darlington. Chewed up the tires faster.

  • @chrisfleming1519
    @chrisfleming1519 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Badass that you moved to north Carolina and get to explore and dig into some of the old nascar history. By far my favorite state to vacation because of the racing their!

  • @michaelpiecewicz9748
    @michaelpiecewicz9748 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for bringing me back to the 80’s when racing was fun and enjoyable

  • @Patmanx1
    @Patmanx1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    used to go here, charlotte, martinsville, and north wilksboro with my dad and his friend growing up. Used to park our campers on Saturday (or Friday for sat races) and spend the night at the track. There's something special about waking up in the morning and having breakfast while happy hour is going on and watching the fans trickle in. I think the last time I was there was 1996 for a Busch series race.

    • @kowalski3769
      @kowalski3769 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Amen to that!! I remember that time of year you could go to all those tracks plus Darlington, 3 or 4 weekends in a row! You could camp but even if you didn't the ride home was only a couple of hours. It was a glorious time. You could go to 6-10 races a year easily. Got to see Harry Gant win 2 of the 4 races he won in a row back in 1991!
      This video reminds me of the time a friend and I made our pilgrimage to Charlotte Motor Speedway. We met a security guard and he let us in the track and allowed us to drive on the track with him while he did his security rounds!! We were like little kids we were so excited! We took pictures of EVERYTHING! The guard let us climb up the banking and sit underneath a HUGE Winston Cup sign in turn 1 while he took a picture of us. I was laying on the pavement and taking pictures of the track from ground level. We thought we had won the lottery. It was a blast!
      It's a shame that nascar abandoned it's roots and fans here in the South. They lost a lot of fans including me by doing that and it shows every week with less and less people in the stands. It breaks my heart because nascar was such a big part of my life back then.

    • @robtans5042
      @robtans5042 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nascar

    • @robtans5042
      @robtans5042 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nascar outgrowed their roots and turned their back on the south. Hell theyve taken seats out of the remaining tracks because they cant fill them. A common person has trouble affording to attend a race now days. I checked nashville 400 dollars for cheap seats. No way I would spend that much to watch a bunch of drivers of today. In 1977 I drove to bristol bought a 12 dollar ticket and even went to the pits after the race. Today that would cost me a hell of a lot more. And the biggest difference I got a hell of a lot more for my money. I got to brang my cooler of beer my own food and smoke a cigarette if I wanted to. And most of all I got to watch the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. The allisons yarbrough buddy baker benny parsons darrell waltrip and david pearson if he chose to run and of course the King Richard petty. Them guys were class acts and I guarantee you they knew what restroom to use

  • @heatstroke584
    @heatstroke584 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I actually met Mark Martin at this track, 1996, I was in a pit crew pit stop competition on the start finish line. So many great memories, thank you

  • @LowKeyIdiots
    @LowKeyIdiots 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Mitch is like a kid in a candy store "What's that" *guy starts explaining* Mitch: "OH WHAT IS THIS?!??" lmaoo

  • @curtisayers-speedink99
    @curtisayers-speedink99 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I finally took the time to watch another of your great videos Mitchell. I wanted to comment on the little track you drove on. When Andy Hillenburg owned Rockingham, he built that track as an exact replica of Martinsville. He said that Martinsville was the toughest track to drive in NASCAR. I did an advanced race school on that track about 11 years ago. All day school, started with driving his K & N cars and he moved you into his ARCA cars if he felt you were ready. Awesome experience! Keep up the good work!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks man!

  • @BadgerCanyonMotorsports
    @BadgerCanyonMotorsports 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That dude has done a great job and it shows in the pride he takes in his work. I wish more tracks could be brought back to life.

  • @max_archer
    @max_archer ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The pit around 4:50 is probably a camera position. The camera would be mounted on something like a big tripod head attached to that metal plate (you can still see where a big bolt or pin for it was), and the pit is there so the operator can stand up behind it and walk back and forth while swinging the camera around.

  • @LuckyNum13
    @LuckyNum13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I'm watching and you said "if you're really into this stuff..." I'm thinking this is the best NASCAR related channel there is really. I'm sure we're about the same age and I'm still watching but have strayed. Your channel is making me get in Google Earth looking at this Speedway cause this is the most missed track of mine.

  • @jacobmcgee4849
    @jacobmcgee4849 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’m a fellow NC born and raised in NC and This was a awesome video!!
    I go to a lot of truck and car shows across the street from the racetrack at the drag strip and I’m always like man I wish I could tour the old rock!!! And I just did
    Man what a sweet video!!!

  • @billdeacon458
    @billdeacon458 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This might just be the single best video ever!! Although I’ve enjoyed all your videos in this series…Thanks for taking us places we’d never be able to see

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks man that’s what we are here for 🤟🏻

  • @grumpyoldbiker1118
    @grumpyoldbiker1118 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I randomly stumbled onto this video and I'm so happy to see The Rock coming back! I flew out of Ft Bragg from 2010 till late 2012, and did a lot of motorcycle riding out in that area, as well as attending quite a few drag races at the strip across the street. Every time I passed that track I longed to get in there and ride just one lap! It's really cool that you got to get in and take the grand tour. It makes you realize just how massive the entire facility is, and it makes you realize just how much work is going into bringing everything in it back up to code and ready to work. This is a great video. Thanks so much for bringing back all of the great memories!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Glad you found us man! You’d love the other racing/nascar history stuff we’ve done very similar to this

    • @grumpyoldbiker1118
      @grumpyoldbiker1118 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Definitely gonna dig in. I've had family in coastal Carolina since the 1940's. Just finished your North Wilkesboro video as well and heard some familiar last names in it. Great content, Sir!

  • @n4bhpat
    @n4bhpat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    One of the coolest videos yet, love the history tours. My granddaddy took me there is the late 60’s I been hooked on racing ever since. And I can’t wait to see the race car you bought and please make a run on a track we can come watch! Cheers and keep up the good work

  • @RandomJ2023
    @RandomJ2023 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I remember driving by this track all the time and feeling sad it was sitting unused. Bring it back to life !

  • @williamcesco7594
    @williamcesco7594 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Thank you for showing me all the cool things in the last five or six videos

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      We won’t stop here 🤟🏻 let’s gooo

  • @bmcshane80
    @bmcshane80 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Im a recent convert to NASCAR from Australia, used to watch it as a kid back in the 90's with my Dad but never really understood it, was more about Touring Cars (V8 Supercars) at that time, but have fallen in love with the History of the Sport and your videos have been AMAZING
    Keep it up man, LOVE IT!

  • @weldin4runna
    @weldin4runna ปีที่แล้ว +4

    If anyone wants to know the track just got repaved and it’s being worked on to try to get brought back 😊

  • @Mastonc
    @Mastonc ปีที่แล้ว +2

    When you said go the wrong way and hit everybody that brought back so many memories!

  • @gregsimon9061
    @gregsimon9061 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Absolutely love your videos, I remember the first time I saw the Daytona 500 in 1982 and it was incredible when they threw the green flag and 43 cars came screaming by. I was at all the Ontario Motor speedway races as a teenager and at Riverside International Speedway when I was a youngster. Dale Earnhardt was always my favorite even when it wasn’t popular to be his biggest fan.

  • @carolinacraig
    @carolinacraig 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Rock was the best track to see a race at. Went to every one from 96 and even went to the truck races they had there. In 2001 it was the next race after Dale was killed. On the third lap everyone stood holding up 3 fingers. It was Harvick first cup race and I still have my ticket that I had Harvick autograph. Love Rockingham and would love to see racing on that track again. Great video.

  • @briangove5782
    @briangove5782 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just love your videos commemorating NASCAR's prime, its legends and its history. This stuff is as fascinating as it is entertaining. It's great that you're archiving all of this for the rest of us to enjoy. You're really on to something here.

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Brian! We are doing our best.

  • @teamcarp1
    @teamcarp1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Growing up a hour from Rockingham im am very happy to see it being restored once again I remember going there in the early 80’s when i was a kid

  • @jakebray561
    @jakebray561 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is BY FAR the best video you've posted!! Thanks and please keep the vintage NASCAR stuff coming!!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks dude we will!! Glad you’re here for it we appreciate you

  • @GeekyFast
    @GeekyFast 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was awesome! Glad you could get a full tour and bring us along with you. 🏁

  • @mikemayhem39
    @mikemayhem39 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    She’ll be back on the cup schedule someday mark my words

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I agree. It’s coming

  • @BANGITSME87
    @BANGITSME87 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The best going backwards on a game was NASCAR 98 because Bob Jenkins would just constantly say “hey buddy you’re going the wrong way!” over and over but it was worth it. So worth it.

  • @rudyhollis6540
    @rudyhollis6540 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Dude, the content in NC is freaking awesome!!!! I live in eastern NC and racing is on a down swing right now, but it'll pick up again!!! Thanks for the videos!!!

    • @bonvct
      @bonvct 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We need more racers and racing facilities!

    • @TheMallen07
      @TheMallen07 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bonvct we need our good ole boy racers from small town NC.

    • @donaldbarfield1926
      @donaldbarfield1926 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Eric allen

  • @michijimc9753
    @michijimc9753 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    WOW! Your video really took me back home. Born in Rockingham in late 50’s. Started going to races in late 60’s particularly the Carolina 500. My late father was a police officer in Rockingham and worked at every race from 1973 until late 80’s. He sat up in the old race control area watching the stairway.
    NASCAR crew chief Larry Shankle lived down the street from us. He had several of us working around the shop of LG DeWitt Racing in Ellerbee when Benny Parsons drove for the team. John Sears ran his race shop out of that small town as well. He raced late 60’s Chargers and I recall seeing my first 426 hemi’s sitting on engine stands in his shop.
    I had the privilege of attending high school with several colleagues who’s parents worked at NCMS.
    When Larry moved to the James Hylton 48 racing team I worked several races helping to setup the car and as a gofer. Funny story, the fab shop you were in was where NASCAR Competition Director Bill Gazaway took Larry and I for a monumental A$$ chewing after I just walked onto pit road after practice and before I received my credentials. The next day I had all of my paperwork in order and did everything I was supposed to do. To say it was breathtaking to literally be working elbow to elbow with the great drivers of that era just doesn’t capture the feeling I felt as an 18 year old worker. That was a very different time than the corporate juggernaut of todays NASCAR. I rode to races in a box truck with James Hylton towing the car on a two axle open trailer. Yes a very different time indeed.
    When I was in high school in the early to mid 70’s the track was opened the week before for people to get on and drive. My Mothers Ford Galaxie 500 made a bunch of laps around NCMS back then.
    After I moved to Michigan in 1979 to complete my education and work I returned home to the NCMS bringing my new friends to introduce them to NASCAR racing. Those were the days when only a few races a year were televised and Chris Economaki was the voice of NASCAR.
    I missed the last race at the Rock and really miss those “old school” NASCAR races.
    Larry Shankle was staying at our home when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He was here in Michigan teaching a new generation of racers how to read between the lines in the racing rule book. Watching one driver in particular listen to Larry who got his engines running far better than ever thought possible was a very pleasant experience. This kid went from being the perennial last man across the line to qualifying well and winning several races.
    Because of the competitive spirit Larry instilled in me I still do some tweaking on my vehicles. Much of the same principles still apply to waking up an engine. It’s somewhat more difficult to tune them today though.
    Thanks for your entertaining and well produced content.

  • @jimbernard71
    @jimbernard71 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a Great tour guide!!! So syked to hear THE ROCK is coming back to life...

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you! We are too!

    • @jimbernard71
      @jimbernard71 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Stapleton42 Do you think Nascar will race there again, Or smaller races? Either way, wicked COOL😎

  • @vanslawson2329
    @vanslawson2329 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love Rockingham. Awesome video. Like Dale Jr's lost speedways. But bringing back Rockingham and seeing everything that is still there from the past is really unreal. Thank you for sharing.

  • @Freddie0521
    @Freddie0521 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So sad that Rockingham closed. That was a awesome track to see a race.

  • @Bobyrathgaming
    @Bobyrathgaming 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Cool enough I used to live in a town called “Rockfish” it was pretty close to rocking ham but I remember going to the drag strip next to the track with my dad and seeing the drag strip races, but knowing that I used to love live near a abandoned piece of history makes me happy

  • @joeltolley6075
    @joeltolley6075 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Can't say it enough Mitchell I absolutely love this content. And I can't wait too see the Escalade and your other vehicles back in action as well. Seeing the Rock was amazing last time I was there was 1986. Have to say some things still looked the same. Can't wait to see where you go next.

    • @blknightsixtyfo
      @blknightsixtyfo 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I can't wait to see what happens with this track.

  • @DG38594
    @DG38594 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an amazing opportunity to be able to visit that place and see the history. So awesome!

  • @Destrie.DJ.Johnson
    @Destrie.DJ.Johnson ปีที่แล้ว +3

    When you walked into that soundproof room, and he said “it’s pretty acoustically friendly in here,” I felt like I was watching some mockumentary horror movie and it was about to go sideways😂

  • @bobuncle8704
    @bobuncle8704 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You were so right. What a great trip back through time.
    My favourite race of all time is ABFD’s lapping the field twice in 85 Southern 500 I believe. First Million win

  • @jasonfields2798
    @jasonfields2798 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Mitch I am pretty sure somewhere I TH-cam there is a home video from a fan who didna your at Rockingham in the mid or late 90s during a race weekend that is pretty cool too watch..AND something cool is winner's circle I used to think back in the day up until the late 1990s had a ramp that led the car up into the checkered flag part of it... keep doing these great videos man

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wanna find that video!

  • @Thomas-ib9iu
    @Thomas-ib9iu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    they ran NASCAR truck series races here in 2012 and 2013 so that explains the newer kitchen stuff

  • @Ronaldl2350
    @Ronaldl2350 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    WOW, WOW, WOW. Your content is some of the best on TH-cam! Thank you for sharing. Keep this history coming please!!

  • @goodnaturedrivertoursllc2708
    @goodnaturedrivertoursllc2708 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just friggin incredible, you are so fortunate to be able to see and do this, keep up the great history

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed man. Extremely grateful for everything. We are glad you’re here for it

  • @amori1124
    @amori1124 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is crazy. Love how ur fine all this nascar history. Im a jeff Gordon type of guy but all the stuff ur finding is awsome. Keep up the great finds

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks dude we appreciate you 🤟🏻

  • @SSMATT08
    @SSMATT08 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is very cool! I do know @39:32 where stepping through the box suites - the far right suite going into turn 1 was the Pepsi suite. I don't recall the wall mounted AC units even being on during the Feb and Nov races - prob why they've lasted all these years. At the time, it was actually nice to sit inside where it was warm. I sure hope NASCAR can make it back to the Rock; especially a night race

  • @BariLopesh
    @BariLopesh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The numbers on the dsl stuff probably correlates to a position on the patch panel in the server rack so it's easier to troubleshoot 🙏🏻. Great video man, keep it up, we're all living out part of our childhood dreams through you and logan and I for one am grateful 🙏🏻 #69 out 💪🏻

  • @mariodamico6121
    @mariodamico6121 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This was an awesome view. Hopefully someday soon The Rock will be hosting racing again soon. Shoutout to your tour guide, he’s an MVP

  • @papadragon695
    @papadragon695 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    NASCAR needs to bring back Rockingham, Nashville Fairgrounds, and North Wilkesboro

    • @JJA1987
      @JJA1987 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes they do

    • @papadragon695
      @papadragon695 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JJA1987 They should also bring back Iowa to the Xfinity Series and Eldora back to the Truck Series

    • @jarrodbushyhead
      @jarrodbushyhead 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The new housing editions near the fairgrounds won’t allow NASCAR back for noise issues Wilksboro is pretty much gone for good unless someone has billions of dollars to build it brand new. The Rock is in good shape and race ready but when NASCAR came back for the trucks it didn’t do well with attendance so they left again

    • @papadragon695
      @papadragon695 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jarrodbushyhead Just a Debbie downer aren’t yah. Why’d u even feel the need to comment? I know all that shit. But in the past few years we’ve seen a lot of renewed interest in bringing back these tracks. STAY POSITIVE

    • @johnhaas2523
      @johnhaas2523 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      if anybody would ever pay attention speedway Motorsports is trying to make the fairgrounds happen but the city's taking their precious time coming to agreement with speedway Motorsports and it's plan to take over managing the track and making updates

  • @MiamiSunrise
    @MiamiSunrise 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Super fun video Stapleton. So much history interwoven into that track. Unbelievable how much there is there to see and find. I sincerely hope you both came away with some goodies from that trip. Thank you!

    • @ralphkramden2089
      @ralphkramden2089 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      If they came away with anything, that would be theft.

  • @marks8068
    @marks8068 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Ooohh Rockingham! :) Another one of my favorite 1990`s Nascar tracks!

  • @KEIFabrication
    @KEIFabrication 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was unbelievably excellent! I raced at the drag strip across the road just after the Rock went dormant. It was just sitting there silent. Kind of sad and spooky. Glad to see it breathing life again! Thanks so much for allowing us access to something we would never be able to experience otherwise!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s what we’re here for!!

  • @markheineii7804
    @markheineii7804 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Another killer cut. Love the history

  • @justinhall2637
    @justinhall2637 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Definitely went backwards on NASCAR 2003 a few times. And on 98, 99, 2000, 2001, etc. awesome video!!!

  • @brianbartlett7313
    @brianbartlett7313 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Been a subscriber since the beginning and this is up there with one of the best videos you have done so far!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Heck yeah man I appreciate you!

  • @ryanbrown4336
    @ryanbrown4336 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've watched this video 4-5 times now and that 90's in-field care center trips me out every time. I miss these times thanks Mitchell and Logan.

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s awesome man thank you for being here

  • @bfoor24
    @bfoor24 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is so awesome, what a trip back in time. I loved going to Rockingham in 2002. I live about an hour from the track and if I could, I'd help with the cleanup, etc haha 👍

  • @hollywood4241
    @hollywood4241 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Last race I attended at The Rock was after Dale Earnhardt had passed away at Daytona.
    I still vividly remember it was the largest funeral I have ever been too.
    Signed his Daytona hauler right next to Bobby Labonte which he signed to the "greatest driver he had ever raced"
    Lap 3 then eerillly Dale junior was rear ended by Ron Hornaday and hit the wall violently......
    Then the sky opened up and it was tears from heaven.
    The race was postponed and they raced on Monday.
    In 1996 I had been given a pit pass and stood in Dale's pit during the entire race where he battled Petty's driver Bobby Hamilton and they had the best cars in the entire field that day and battled back and forth the entire race then Dale did what Dale does best and came away with a great victory.
    It gets better......
    I actually wore my authentic Hardee's pit crew shirt that day so I rushed down to victory lane and got my hands on Dale's rear spoiler and helped push him into victory lane.....I had died and gone to racing heaven.
    The absolute greatest racing memory in my entire life having gone to over a hundred races.
    Nothing better than seeing your favorite driver win at a race you're attending and doesn't happen much.
    The Rock is my 2nd favorite track next to Richmond then Martinsville.
    Me and buddy had season tix to the Rock and were also lucky enough to see the "Flyin Aces" win a record 4 consecutive pit crew championships and that record will NEVER be broken.
    Kyle Petty's home track and he dominated there for a few years in his Mellow Yellow car and was a blast to see.
    Man that is a great racetrack!!!

  • @19961djs
    @19961djs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    "There's two kinds of people, people who did that and liars" fucking great hahahhaa

  • @JamesTaylor-cy1ku
    @JamesTaylor-cy1ku 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Back in 1982 my step dad was a dirt track promoter. We were invited to take pace car for pace lap before race. I got a pit pass for the whole weekend and stayed very close to Harry Gants pit. I was 16 and it was a memory I will never forget.

  • @sterranajr
    @sterranajr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is so fun to watch. Pretty sure some of the stuff is a little newer than '04 as they had a truck series race there in 2013. Awesome job!!

  • @ScaleEnthusiasm
    @ScaleEnthusiasm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We just ran the roval this past weekend! Made for some great racing and it was so much fun to visit this old track.

  • @Demise90Racing
    @Demise90Racing 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It's really nice to see the progress of some things being restored at the track. Hopefully the track gets that 10 mil from the state and we can get the Cup Series back at The Rock where it belongs

    • @jarrodbushyhead
      @jarrodbushyhead 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cup won’t come back to the rock. NASCAR came back with the trucks for 2 years hardly anyone showed up so NASCAR left again

    • @horsecrazyviking7121
      @horsecrazyviking7121 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jarrodbushyhead Hardly anyone showed up because it was the trucks but I agree that NASCAR won’t be back. NASCAR has recently made it clear they’re only interested in 2 types of tracks: road courses and brand new short tracks.

    • @bigsarge8795
      @bigsarge8795 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We can dream cant we ?

    • @jarrodbushyhead
      @jarrodbushyhead 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bigsarge8795 yea you can dream but I doubt NASCAR will go back they don’t care about tradition anymore. Sending the clash to California at the collision was a dumb idea

    • @bigsarge8795
      @bigsarge8795 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jarrodbushyhead i know i know. Just a thought. I absolutely hate that move to the coliseum as well.

  • @Colonel_RamRod
    @Colonel_RamRod 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Being from rockingham and going to several races including one in the VIP box I miss this place being used for races. Can't wait to see it reopen, great video! 🙌

  • @MM_in_Havasu
    @MM_in_Havasu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very cool video content! I always look forward to your videos in here, they are excellent in documentation of NASCAR history and extremely interesting! 🏎🚗👍
    You & your lovely lady Logan keep up the great work, and know I'm there too. 😎 Rock it at the Rock!

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks mark 💪🏻

  • @BWBARNETTE
    @BWBARNETTE 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Just finished the Darlington video..I think I have already watched this..but enjoyed it so much, gonna watch it again. I really enjoy all your videos. Thanks

    • @Stapleton42
      @Stapleton42  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      thanks man!!

  • @JJA1987
    @JJA1987 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Really F"N Cool seeing all that vintage stuff !!!

  • @soulfly3438
    @soulfly3438 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i never forgot about rockingham. i love that its in the middle of nowhere. its like the field of dreams

  • @racer193wr
    @racer193wr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is very very cool for us who appreciate the tracks and want to see them put back into service... I mentioned this in the last video but do you know if Rockingham has a non compete contract with nascar? I so hope that's not the case. As it would be awesome to see them come back...also hoping that your new car is a last gen cup car.. but really any old cup car would do...