NCDOT announces train from Raleigh to Rockingham for NASCAR return

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division (NCDOT) announced Friday that the state’s passenger rail service, NC By Train, will run a special train from Raleigh to Rockingham Speedway for NASCAR‘s return to the racetrack. Rockingham, which last hosted a NASCAR Cup Series race in 2004, is the site of the April 19 Xfinity Series race.

This year's special train is REALLY going to 'rock'! 😜

Take the Rockingham Special for the return of NASCAR at the @RockinghamSpdwy on Sat. Apr. 19. N⭐C🚆 #makeitNASCARtrain

Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/n3BSS5OIRM pic.twitter.com/P2RyPABPDb

— NC By Train (@NC_By_Train) March 28, 2025

“After the overwhelming success of the Open Express to the U.S. Open in 2024, we’re thrilled to work with our partners at Amtrak and the Rockingham Speedway to provide another unique opportunity to take NC By Train to an iconic North Carolina event,” state transportation secretary Joey Hopkins said. “Special trains like this provide the chance to introduce even more people to the amazing passenger rail service available in our state.”

NASCAR set for long-awaited return to Rockingham

The morning train will depart Raleigh Union Station at 9 a.m. ET. It will make stops in Cary and Southern Pines before arriving at Rockingham at 11:06 a.m. Tickets are $25 each way and available for purchase on Amtrak’s web​​sit​​​e. Food and beverages are available to purchase while on board.

“Our thanks to the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division, Amtrak and CSX for providing this special train for fans attending the NASCAR events at Rockingham Speedway,” said promoter Bob Sargent, president of Track Enterprises. “We’re excited to have this turnkey experience available to our fans. It is certainly the way I’d like to travel to and from the race!”

The Rock hosted a Cup race from 1965-2004 and an Xfinity race from 1982-2004. NASCAR returned to the track briefly in 2012, Rockingham hosting the Truck Series race won by Kasey Kahne. Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the 2013 Truck race before NASCAR announced a second departure from Rockingham due to financial struggles. Trucks will race April 18 at Rockingham before Xfinity returns the following day.

“This is a community that has missed NASCAR being there, and they’re incredibly excited for NASCAR’s return,” Dan Lovenheim, owner of the speedway since 2018, told The Charlotte Observer. “Since I bought it, a dozen to two-dozen people stop by to take a picture by those rocks out front every day. There’s such a historicity here, it can’t be understated, and the level of excitement through the community, through everyone, is extraordinarily high.”