NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

In a time when some racetracks are disappearing, it’s good to shed light on track owners who are preserving and expanding the sport we love, and that's the story of NHRA member track Rockingham Dragway. When Dan VanHorn and Al Gennarelli purchased the facility in the fall of 2022, little did they know what the future had in store for updates and renovations needed on the property. 

“Coming off of COVID[-19], the enormous financial investment and risk, and the amount of work the track needed was overwhelming, but Al and I took it as a challenge,” said VanHorn. 

The duo hit the ground running in early 2023 with a nearly 900-foot concrete resurfacing of the racetrack and a brand-new Accutime timing system, complete with brand-new scoreboards at both ends of the racetrack. 

The upgrades didn’t stop there, as they turned their attention to the facility side and took to pit and amenity repairs for their next task. 

“The list of improvement recommendations was pretty long but also pretty obvious,” said VanHorn.“The racing surface, timing system, pits, return roads, bathrooms, showers, PA, concrete grandstands, and operations were areas to improve based on racer feedback.”  

Next came the asphalt repairs to the main pits and the return road, as well as a new lighting and PA system throughout the facility and additional RV and motorhome hookups. They then tackled the bathrooms in the facility as well, and added showers on property for those in need during events. 

As an added benefit to the fans in attendance, all concession stands on both sides of the facility were updated and a new mixed drink license was acquired to provide adults with new beverage options. 

They also renovated the souvenir building at the base of the tower to better serve the fans wanting merchandise as well as providing racers a new and easy payout and inquiry location while at the races. 

The additions don’t stop at the facility level either, as the track has also acquired new equipment at all levels, including tractors, dual blowers, and a safety truck for race-day operations. 

They also updated and added signage across the facility for visibility, event promotion, and even sponsorship opportunity throughout the community. 

“The progress we have made is years ahead of where we expected to be,” said VanHorn. “The facility improvements have been hard financially, effort, and time-wise, but the amount we have been able to accomplish with the help of Richmond County Tourism, the City of Rockingham, and the State of North Carolina is exciting to say the least. We have lofty goals, and we plan to do as much if not more than what we already have.  

“We want to be considered a top-tier track, and we can visualize it. The racers, sponsors, community, and local government have been extremely supportive, and they want the track to succeed. We plan on doing just that.

“We have gone from ‘We used to go there’ and ‘The Rock used to be my favorite track’ and ‘Back in the day’ and ‘I remember when' and ‘I always used to race there’ to now racers are coming back and so are the fans. We are looking to create new memories and be the current rather than the past.” 

NHRA Southeast Division Director Cody Savage is also encouraged by the improvements. 

“Dan and Al have done wonders in the short amount of time they have owned Rockingham,” he said. “For them to purchase a racetrack with such a storied past and have the desire to restore it at such great levels is a blessing not only for the Southeast, but also for drag racing as a whole. The passion is still living and breathing amongst track owners new and old, and it should be recognized as such.”