Richmond County is going to bat for Rockingham Dragway and its extensive plan for rennovation. The county has applied for a $500,000 grant to assist in the rennovation of the legendary drag strip.

The grant was submitted under the North Carolina Department of Commerce's 2006 Economic Development Reserve program .

“With the loss of the NASCAR venues at N.C. Motor Speedway, the economic impact of the Rockingham Dragway on both Richmond and surrounding counties is becoming increasingly important," County Manager Jim Haynes said.“With the Economic Development Reserve Grant Funds, we propose to provide enhancements to the Rockingham Dragway to ensure its continued success in Richmond County and the region,” he said.

Richmond County is going to bat for Rockingham Dragway and its extensive plan for rennovation. The county has applied for a $500,000 grant to assist in the rennovation of the legendary drag strip.

The grant was submitted under the North Carolina Department of Commerce's 2006 Economic Development Reserve program .

“With the loss of the NASCAR venues at N.C. Motor Speedway, the economic impact of the Rockingham Dragway on both Richmond and surrounding counties is becoming increasingly important," County Manager Jim Haynes said.“With the Economic Development Reserve Grant Funds, we propose to provide enhancements to the Rockingham Dragway to ensure its continued success in Richmond County and the region,” he said.

Rockingham Dragway's Steve Earwood will provide $500,000 of his own money toward the project.

This proposal includes new grandstands to replace the concrete stands on the left side of the race track, add more aluminum seating on the right side of the track, add new permanent restrooms, improve track lighting to enhance the experience for racers and fans and televised events, extend the concrete “launch pad” and improve and pave the pit area roads.

Haynes said the improvements will enable the track to sustain its reputation as one of the nation’s top performance tracks.”

Aaron Polburn, president of International Hot Rod Association, in October wrote Earwood, “For us to continue our current growth pattern, I would like you to consider adding additional amenities as soon as possible.”

The Richmond County Daily Journal reported that Polburn suggested increased and more modern seating, additional restroom facilities and more paved pit space and pedestrian areas.

“IHRA will be adding new venues in bigger markets over the next three years,” Polburn. “The last thing I want to do is pull one of your two events because our growth potential is limited.”

Polburn added that Earwood he didn’t want three years from now for them to wonder, “If we had only moved on this earlier.”

The local political leaders are in support of the grant.

Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (D-Richmond 66) is one of those in favor.

Goodwin said people are bringing increased revenue into the county in local restaurants, hotels, retail stores and gas stations “and create a reason for visiting our area. The economic impact of the Dragway on our local economy is impressive.”

The proposal by the county and The Rock would enable the facility to continue to bring in new events and at the same time maintain the existing anchor events such as the IHRA Spring Nationals and the IHRA World Finals.

Haynes said the Sandhills region is more than ever dependent on the Dragway’s economic impact since the loss of the two major NASCAR events.

The initial plans are to spend $810,000 for new grandstands and restrooms. Adding seven lighting towers for nighttime television coverage would cost $50,000. Adding 350 feet of concrete to the track and smooth it would cost $50,000. Pit area expansion would cost $80,000.

“As a result, the proposed renovation, coupled with The Rock’s rich racing history and owner Steve Earwood’s 30 years of success as a promoter, would enable Rockingham to aggressively compete for events that would continue to fill hotel rooms, restaurants and retail showrooms not just in Richmond County, but in Scotland, Anson, Hoke, Moore and Robeson counties, as well,” Haynes said.