Venue and Track Details
Rockingham Speedway (affectionately known as “The Rock”) is a 0.94-mile (1.51 km) D-shaped asphalt oval track. It was repaved in late 2022 and remeasured at its current length (previously listed closer to 1.017 miles). The configuration features:
Banking: Turns 1 and 2 at 22°, Turns 3 and 4 at 25°, and both the frontstretch and backstretch at 8°.
This creates a unique high-banked D-shape with a longer, sweeping backstretch that promotes multi-groove racing, side-by-side action, and potential for passing on the outside. The varying banking angles reward precise setup and tire management, often leading to attrition and strategy battles over the long run.
The track has a 32,000-seat capacity and is owned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA). It hosted NASCAR Cup Series events from 1965–2004 before returning to the national series schedule in 2025 after a long hiatus.
Race Format and Schedule
Distance: 250 laps / approximately 235 miles.
Stages: 60/120/250 (Stage 1: lap 60; Stage 2: lap 120; Final Stage: lap 250).
Green Flag: Approximately 2:30 p.m. ET (local time) on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
TV: The CW (announcers: Adam Alexander, Jamie McMurray, Parker Kligerman).
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Weekend Schedule Highlights (all times ET):
Friday, April 3: Practice 1:30–2:20 p.m.; Qualifying 2:35 p.m. (single-car, one-lap format).
Saturday also includes the ARCA Menards Series East race earlier in the day.
Weather Conditions (Forecast for Race Day)
Expect mild spring conditions ideal for racing: highs near 80°F (low 70s at green flag), partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies with only a ~5–20% chance of showers. Light winds (5–10 mph) from the south/southwest are anticipated, with low humidity. No major rain threats are expected to delay the event, though early cloud cover could give way to clearer skies by mid-afternoon. Track temperatures should favor Goodyear Eagle tires carried over from last year’s setup.
Race History at Rockingham
This marks only the second running of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 under its current name and format at The Rock in the modern era, but it is the 25th annual event associated with the lottery sponsorship at the venue. Rockingham has a rich NASCAR history dating back to 1965, producing many memorable battles on its high-banked layout. In 2025 (the series’ return after years away), Sammy Smith of JR Motorsports won after a post-race disqualification altered the official results. The track is known for producing exciting, competitive racing due to its unique geometry and banking differential, which tests both speed and durability.
Recent Driver Forms and 2026 Standings (After Race 7 at Martinsville)
The season has been dominated by a handful of top teams:
Justin Allgaier (#7 JR Motorsports, Chevrolet) leads the standings with 373 points, 3 wins, 5 top-5s, and 6 top-10s. He’s been the most consistent and dominant driver early in 2026.
Jesse Love (#2 Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet) sits 2nd (281 points) with strong top-5/10 finishes but no wins yet.
Sheldon Creed (#00 Haas Factory Team, Chevrolet) is 3rd (257 points, 1 win).
Other notables: Austin Hill (#21 RCR, 4th), Carson Kvapil (#1 JR Motorsports, 5th), defending race winner
Sammy Smith (#8 JR Motorsports, 6th), and Corey Day.
JR Motorsports has been exceptionally strong, with multiple cars in the top 6. RCR and Haas Factory Team provide stiff competition.
Key Driver Matchups and Entry List Highlights
The full field features 38 entries (no cars expected to miss the race). Standout storylines include:
Allgaier vs. the JR Motorsports stable: Allgaier, Kvapil, and defending winner Sammy Smith form a formidable trio on a track that rewards experience and setup.
RCR duo (Love and Hill): Both have shown speed; Love has been a consistent front-runner all season.
Sheldon Creed (Haas): Proven winner with speed on short tracks/ovals; a threat if the #00 finds the right groove.
Rising rookies and specials: Brent Crews (JGR), Lavar Scott, Patrick Staropoli, and notably Cleetus McFarland making his series debut in the #33 (likely Richard Childress Racing-affiliated). Veterans like Ryan Sieg, Garrett Smithley, and JJ Yeley round out the field.
Betting Trends
Allgaier enters as the heavy favorite (often listed around +300 to +400 in early markets), reflecting his points lead and dominance. Jesse Love and Sheldon Creed are close behind in odds, with value potentially on Sammy Smith (defending winner), Carson Kvapil, and longer shots like Austin Hill. Betting markets have shown strong support for JRM cars overall, but Rockingham’s unique layout has historically produced surprises and multi-car battles. Stage betting will likely favor the top contenders, with props on laps led and head-to-head matchups (e.g., Allgaier vs. Love). Purse: $1,653,590.
Driver Odds
Justin Allgaier + 300
Jesse Love + 400
Sammy Smith + 750
Carson Kvapil + 850
Brent Crews + 850
Austin Hill + 900
Corey Day + 1000
Taylor Gray + 1100
Brandon Jones + 1200
Sheldon Creed + 1400
Sam Mayer + 1400
Rajah Caruth + 2200
Parker Retzlaff + 3000
Ryan Sieg + 4000
Cleetus McFarland + 4500
Harrison Burton + 5000
William Sawalich + 5500
Anthony Alfredo + 10000
Patrick Staropoli + 13000
Blake Lothian + 15000
Jeb Burton + 20000
Nathan Byrd + 25000
Jeremy Clements + 25000
Dean Thompson + 25000
Alex Labbe + 25000
Lavar Scott + 35000
Ryan Ellis + 40000
Kyle Sieg + 40000
Josh Williams + 40000
Josh Bilicki + 40000
Brennan Poole + 40000
Blaine Perkins + 40000
Austin Green + 40000
Andrew Patterson + 40000
JJ Yeley + 50000
Garrett Smithley + 50000
Dawson Cram + 50000
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026
