“Raleigh (And Cary And Southern Pines) To The Rock” By Train:
One-Day NASCAR Trip To/From Rockingham Speedway On April 19
By David Glenn
North Carolina Sports Network
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division has announced that “NC By Train,” the state’s passenger rail service, will run a special train from Raleigh to Rockingham Speedway for NASCAR’s return on April 19.
“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,” North Carolina 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.”
The “Rockingham Special” train will run for one day only, on April 19, between Raleigh’s Union Station and the Rockingham Speedway.
“We are delighted to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and other partners to offer this one-of-a-kind transportation option to the Rockingham Speedway,” Amtrak vice president Ray Lang said. “This is an exciting event, and we welcome this opportunity to give fans an enjoyable, stress-free way to travel.”
The morning train will depart Raleigh’s Union Station at 9 a.m., with stops in Cary at 9:15 a.m. and Southern Pines at 10:28 a.m. The train will arrive at Rockingham Speedway at 11:06 a.m. and let passengers off adjacent to the speedway near Gate E.
The evening train will depart from Rockingham Speedway at 7:30 p.m., with stops in Southern Pines at 8:08 p.m. and Cary at 9:21 p.m. The Rockingham Special will return to Raleigh’s Union Station shortly after 9:30 p.m.
“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,” Track Enterprises president Bob Sargent said. “We’re fortunate to have NC By Train passenger rail tracks run right by the speedway and 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!”
“Rockingham Special” train tickets are $25 each way and available for purchase now on Amtrak’s website. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seating is limited. Tickets must be bought in advance of travel.
When purchasing your ticket(s) online, type or select “Rockingham” for your destination and return trip. Food and beverages will be available to purchase on board. Visit Amtrak.com for ticket prices and more information.
NCDOT encourages people to skip the hassles of traffic and parking and take advantage of the convenient, safe and affordable transportation available on “NC By Train,” with its large seats, charging outlets at each seat and free WiFi.
Visit NC By Train for more information and to plan a trip. Follow them on social media at Twitter/X and Instagram @NC_By_Train and NC By Train on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Fans can log on to RaceTheRock.com for continuing details, schedule updates or to purchase tickets for NASCAR’s April 18-19 return to Rockingham Speedway. Tickets also are available for purchase in person at Rockingham City Hall, from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m on Mondays-Thursdays and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays. Both single-day and weekend ticket packages are available.
