In an attempt to steer clear of the usual race-day traffic snarls, NC By Train is offering NASCAR fans a special rail service directly to the Rockingham Speedway for the much-anticipated return of racing there in April. According to a press release from the NCDOT, the one-day train service, affectionately dubbed the "Rockingham Special," will ferry fans from Raleigh Union Station with intermediate stops in Cary and Southern Pines before reaching the speedway gates on April 19th.
The successful 2024 Open Express train service to the U.S. Open appears to have set the tracks for this new initiative, and Joey Hopkins, state Transportation Secretary, mentioned passenger rail in North Carolina has truly something to boast about, “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." The planned timetable has the morning train departing Raleigh at 9:00 a.m., with scheduled arrivals in Cary and Southern Pines, eventually pulling in near Rockingham Speedway's Gate E at 11:06 a.m. Following the day's events, the train will make its return journey, departing Rockingham Speedway at 7:30 p.m. and reversing its morning stops before concluding the round trip.
Ray Lang, Amtrak's Vice President, welcomed the collaboration and the opportunity it presents for an enhanced fan experience, he said, “This is an exciting event, and we welcome this opportunity to give fans an enjoyable, stress-free way to travel." Tickets for the "Rockingham Special" are up for grabs at $25 each way, and have to be secured before travel, available exclusively on the Amtrak website. The train is not only a means to bypass roadway congestion but also offers onboard amenities including food and beverage options, thereby potentially upping the overall comfort of the day's racing adventure, as per the NCDOT press release.
Complementing the service announcement, Track Enterprises' president Bob Sargent validated the partnership that brought this transportation option to fruition, “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," and for fans seeking a turnkey experience it's certainly a compelling alternative to traditional means of game-day transit. In showcasing NC By Train service, NCDOT underscores the benefits of train travel which includes not just avoidance of driving-related stresses but the amenities of large seats, charging outlets, and free WiFi which can make the trek to the speedway as much a part of the day's appeal as the main event itself.
