The latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast has sparked a fresh wave of speculation among NASCAR fans after Dale Jr. appeared to casually mention a historic speedway while discussing Speedway Motorsports' investment in the CARS Tour.

The moment quickly caught the attention of fans on social media and Reddit, with many wondering whether Earnhardt had inadvertently hinted at a future NASCAR schedule development involving the historic North Carolina oval.

The discussion began after Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith joined the podcast to explain why SMI had become part of the ownership group of the CARS Tour alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks. 

Continuing on the DJD podcast, as Smith asked what kind of reaction the announcement had generated, Earnhardt summarized the speculation he had seen online. He said, "People assumed, 'Well, they're going to race Bristol, they're going to race Rock... they're going to go to all your racetracks and start racing.'"

It was the brief reference to ‘Rock’, widely interpreted as Rockingham Speedway, that immediately stood out to fans. 

Rockingham Speedway has become one of NASCAR's most closely watched venues over the past two years following its extensive renovation and return to national competition.

The track has already welcomed NASCAR's lower national series back, prompting continued calls from fans for the Cup Series to eventually return as well.

That backdrop has only intensified scrutiny over any mention of the speedway, particularly when it comes from influential figures such as Dale Jr. and Speedway Motorsports executives.

Fans feel there’s something they are not supposed to know yet

Since Speedway Motorsports does not currently own Rockingham Speedway, some listeners questioned whether Earnhardt had accidentally revealed plans that have yet to be announced publicly. Others believed it was simply an off-the-cuff remark as he listed tracks that fans had been discussing.

The clip soon made its way to Reddit, where users debated whether Earnhardt had genuinely slipped up or merely misspoke during the conversation.

Several fans noted that he appeared to catch himself before quickly moving on, further fueling theories that there could be more behind the comment.

Believing the former to be the case, one such person said, “I think it may have been Dale slipping up. SMI has its hands full giving dates to the tracks it has and the never-ending Nashville drama.” 

Another Reddit user stated that they would prefer Rockingham replace Nashville, saying, “I would rather have The Rock over the Nashville short track, I think. I think the Cup cars would not race well there. Even the CARS Tour had a mediocre race there.” 

One user referenced the uncertainty over the All-Star race’s venue, saying, “That would be cool; maybe the Rock can get the All-Star.” 

Another user felt that Smith was doing the right thing, saying, “If that’s true, Marcus is putting his money where his mouth is unlike his old man re: preserving the sport’s history.”

One user had their own theory, which they stated as follows: “5. Bristol spring date going to Rockingham. This makes sense actually because I’m 99% sure that was the plan for the Nashville Fairgrounds and I’m 99.9% sure they’ve given up on that idea lol.” 

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Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason