Rockingham Speedway's Former Track Manager of 30+ Years Has Crazy NASCAR History Stories 

Let’s help get things back to the way they used to be🏁💪🏻 Time only happens once but we will keep this history alive. Subscribe if history is important to you too. Get the same stuff I’m wearing here! Stapletonautoworks.com

I feel like a broken record when I comment but damn is this stuff fascinating. Old boy could tell stories for hours with all the years he had working at that track. Love it that you're showing this kind of stuff. Time only happens once.

Glad to see someone trying to bring back the old nascar history

YEAP!!!! Mr. Ronnie nailed it when he said at the 12:40 mark "It's ALL about the dollar now."....

That was cool. I must say, I am one of Dale Sr's biggest fans. But I am an even bigger fan now that I know he drank a beer with the track maintenance manager, and plugged up Rusty's shower drain. Priceless!

Speaking of Mark Martin, back in the day, he was one of the smallest cup drivers, yet he could bench press more weight than any other cup driver. Very strong man.

i love hearing the old timers with all the first hand experiences geting excited to talk about and share the history

Man Mitchell I got nothing but respect for you and the direction that you have taken your channel. No matter how fast you gain subscribers, you keep putting your whole heart into it. I like the mid of repair, and automotive work and the racing history stuff it's a great mix and you can really tell you love what you're doing. Keep up the content bro.

While the races, and drivers history has been well preserved. The tracks and the stories from behind the scenes haven't. So glad to see you stepping in and taking on that role. The amount of work that went in to make just one event happen is incredible. And tons of off the track stories to be shared. Thanks for digging into the background.

This never gets old. It is immensely cool the history you're digging up. Getting to see Ron getting to relive some memories and provide some identity to the artifacts was a pretty badass bonus. I'm a big nerd for this stuff. Reviving an old track, regardless of the amount of work would be a dream job. Keep it up, appreciate y'all.

The stories Ronnie had and the history you uncovered were epic!! This was way too cool. 👍👍👍👍

Maan, multiple liftimes worth of stories.. Thank you for digging into all of the awesome things that are slowly forgotten about. Killing it!

I could sit and listen to Ronnie tell stories for hours. What an interesting man. Hello from the other side of the world in New Zealand.

Those Earnhardt stories from the former manager were awesome. Especially the track history. R.i.p Dale.

Another awesome video thank you for sharing, I lived in Raleigh for 12 years it would make the trip twice a year to rockingham, I took my mom to her very first race there and her driver Bobby labonte won the race February 2000, my mom has since passed so these videos bring back great memories awesome job.

Those stories were super funny. Using a reefer unit as a air conditioner had me dying laughing and ya you are the Indian Jones of nascar history. Wish I had the time to go digging around in my area.

Incredible! I could look at that stuff and listen to the history all day. This is probably the best NASCAR history video you’ve done so far!!

thats one of the round unacal signs, they had an actual ball outside of turn 4. also the abandoned gas station beside the track was a unical it had a ball too., lonnie Walker used to run it and my dad would stop by after work for a beer or 12

You are the only one i know of that is telling a story and revisiting history. I did not expect this when i subscribed a long time ago. I have enjoyed watching you and your channel grow. Only complaint i have is not enough RUGER.

Love it brother! Keep on, keepin on that deep Rabbit hole! 🕳 I’m in it for the long haul, love getting to re-live all of this history you get to put your hands on and your eyes to feast on! Having these videos available to us is now something we can keep as a RU-vid history log and can share with other NASCAR history nerds like us crazy folk! Can’t wait to see what’s next to uncover 💪🏻💪🏻 Keep killing it mane, also super excited to see some of your projects finally back ripping down the 1320! 💨💨

Hey, Dude! I live in Daytona Beach! Been going to DIS since 1959! Worked there '92-'94! Couple of the most exciting years of my life! Worked parking/security mostly outside turn 4. Didn't meat many drivers. One driver parked his coach outside turn 4 every year. Parking supers were mostly a'holes, but this driver always made sure we were fed regular...AT HIS TABLE. He'd bring us coffee and doughnuts on his golf cart. That driver's name was...Dave Marcis.

this is why i love racing, theres hundreds of these guys that have incredible stories...i can watch this stuff over and over!!!!!! GREAT VIDEO

This video reminds me of industrial history. Nobody documents that stuff but years later it leaves so many unanswered questions. You are answering those questions now.

If this track could be on the NASCAR schedule for Truck, Xfinity, and Cup (even ARCA) I would be so excited

Great stuff man. Brings back alot of memories. I went to every race there from the mid 80's on, including the last. As i still only live 45 min away. To this day i still hate what nascar did to The Rock by moving the dates untill no one wanted to go, just so they could take away the races. It was tough sitting at the top of the rock in february. Would freeze to death.

I would love to see you do the same thing for NHRA History, Think about this: The TOP FUEL CARS in the '70s used to run times in the 1/4mile that are extremely similar to what the LSXcalade does!!

Cool stories...my last visit to The Rock was the fall race of '94..Sr won the race that day and clinched his 7th championship...I was and will always be a DE fan for life..3 Da man fan...4 life..

Rewatching days of thunder tonight, and you can actually see the big 76 sign when it flips to Rockingham, during the beginning when cole is wrecking the car, before Harry tells him to hit the pace car.

You said that you’re glad us as viewers are here. But in all honesty I’m glad you’re doing what u do. I was born in 95 and watched nascar since then. It’s changed a lot and the stuff you’ve been doing is digging up what I consider the golden years. Love the videos man, keep it up

You know I’ve been watching the test and listening to drivers talk about the new cup car. Especially how Dale jr said he was surprised at how well the new car did at such a small racetrack Bowman gray stadium. I think it would be awesome to see NASCAR try to reach out and go to smaller racetracks. Like they did back in the day

i live in Laurinburg and i would have never seen this stuff if it wasn't for you this is awesome

Man love the NASCAR history videos. I'll be retiring in 7 years and i would love to visit some of those historic places. I was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah Georgia from 1990 to 1992 and even there, NASCAR was huge. I was born and raised in California and growing up the closest track to me Sears Point now Sonoma Raceway I think. Always been a NASCAR fan and it puts a smile on my face to see all the history of it that you are putting out. Great work.

I could listen to these kinda stories all day.

Man I love seeing videos like this . That man’s soul was glowing sharing those memories. And to be frank it’s probably the last time he will ever think about some of that stuff

I love older nascar stuff. The old winston cup series banners look cooool

Wow again you have me on the edge of my seat listening to this man talk about the good days of stock car racing. Ron sure has great stories to tell. Keep it up greatest channel on RU-vid for old Nascar memories.

Right on, just saw this posted! Very cool! Love hearing all this history right from the people who were originally involved.

I knew Ronnie from about 1998 to 2003 - I got married in victory lane in Sept of 1999. I have seen 10 of 1000's of lapes around that track and drove on it over the years. It was a great track to teach on and a real Hoot to drive on! You need to get Ronnie to take you catfishing - he knows were the Big Ones are!

It's like He's been waiting for someone to tell these stories to. Hope you continue to find more hidden gems

Pretty neat to see the inside history of NASCAR. Don’t stop now. Thanks.

It is impressive the time you have spent in telling these stories, documenting the history of the tracks, the shops, the personalities, and the characters from the heyday of NASCAR. You are pretty much "The History Guy" for the race fans. Well done. Just getting caught up on all of your videos.

For those who may not know. Rockingham was just got approved from the state for $9 Million to use to upgrade the track. According to their Twitter it's getting repaved and lights added. Also the Unical 76 signs most likely have been back there since 2003. Because Sunoco took over NASCAR fuel in 2004.

Your channel is so amazing. I grew up as a kid in the 90s. My dad was a huge nascar fan and I remember all these cars and tracks of that era. So to see the behind the scenes of all of it is absolutely fascinating to me now that I’m in my 30s.

These videos are fantastic. I also have a hat signed bye Dale Sr. It’s a Camo Braves hat, he was in Jackson MS at a car dealership. Wish mine had the personal note that Ronnie had.

I remember the Winston ladies looking good, handing out free packs of Winston's from there neck strapped trays back then...the good old days at the rock. My dad would take me every time we could afford it. Great video respect.

If from Australia n NASCAR wasn't really big down here why growing up. But I'm loving learning all about it on you channel. N getting pumped to see the new shop up n running. Keep doing what you doing.

Instant classic, awesome walk around interview, I wonder how many people are packing rags in poop--tubes

My dad helped with the crew of Rusty Wallace mostly in the garage but got to check everything out, theres a bunch of pictures on the wall from the pits and close ups of Rusty in the car and all kinds of stuff. He also got to meet Richard Petty and got a picture with him that is also on the wall. He has a good bit of artifacts, and I'm pretty sure he still has some tires off one of the cars. Pretty cool.

God love listening to old school peoples stories so so interesting thank you Guys

Uncle gorge: how much rpm’s do you want. Michel: I want all of them

Man I wish I could sit there and listen to that fellow's stories of a good days for the rest of time

Thanks for capturing all this history! Very entertaining look back and see the roots of Rockingham from one who lived it.

I love the history on your channel. Best automotive channel on RU-vid in my opinion. Keep up the good work!

Digging up NASCAR history with a throwback apparel with the epic mustache. What a legend 💪

This is incredible, I love the stories of old nascar! Sure would love to see a race here!

I have absolutely no idea how I missed this video, I'm glad to see you made the track to Markingham. I absolutely loved this track.

Dude I love this series on The Rock! This let's me live my childhood over again. This was one of my favorite tracks to watch back when I first got introduced to neverending lefts. It would be so cool to see big races here again!

God bless you for not forgetting the old tracks... please keep revisiting. Great stories and questions from the old timers!

The first video was great, but having Ronnie on this one is next level. Thanks

The man that sat that refrigeration unit in the wall off of Dewitt’s trucks was Richard Lee he is my grandfather, he just pAssed away in March! Him and the car painter for Benny Parsons cars whose name is Tommy Lovin. They passed away hours apart and were the last two original pit crew members for the DeWitt team. Back to that Thermo king unit we had to service all the ac units all over the property at the track, in doing that my gpa worked for the track owner )DeWitts) after Benny left the team and worked every race until the last car race here at the track I helped for many many years the best memories I have are from thi s place thanks for the share

I was literally just double-checking on both RU-vid and Instagram to see if you release to video when I seen you I was like yes. And to see that it's another NASCAR history video even better

@stapleton42 man I'm soo frickin glad you moved brother these last few videos are some of the best I actually get amped up when a new video drops keep them coming this history needs to told and heard 🇺🇸💪

Keep building on your momentum dude, this is awesome! I grew up watching these nascar races in the 80s and 90s when I was a kid. We need to recognize how great this sport was back then!

I love listening to you passion about Nascar history brother! It fells like you are the David Attenborough of Nascar history, I have never been a Nascar person, but you have me interested in Nascar history!

This is fookin awesome big guy , keep digging stay safe big stuff..... fookin awesome

This is amazing. And the part with him talking about Penske was true. When he bought Indy a few years ago I remember seeing pics of him getting right into it with work and everything.

The new shop is looking really good definitely nice and bright white hopefully you get some good Lighting in there and start cranking on some projects

These videos have been great, keep the racing history alive before it's all forgotten.

Oh and Mitch thanks for getting the question of "what happend to the old winner's circle" answered for me

Man back when NASCAR was worth watching. Brings back memories for me so freakin rad to see you doing this Mitchell so sweet

You knocking it out the park on these interviews Stapleton!!!

Just finished watching the RCR museum. It was very interesting, but this one is special with the history of a track being told by the man that lived it for 30+. A few drivers drove for Richard, but all that raced during the life of Rockingham have history here. Very interesting.

I don't remember how I found your channel but man I'm glad I did! All of them are great but by far this one is the best! I bet Ronnie could tell tales for days. Your fortunate enough to get to meet people and be able to share with us these stories and you get the opportunity to do what you love. And the behind the scenes stories of the history of Rockingham was great.

Shout out to Myrtle beach drift for having drift events here regularly after we lost Mytle beach speedway to development, and for keeping the infield paved for events! They got some stories in the newspaper there and it may have spearheaded some interest in getting the full track repaved next year!

Honestly, that's why I love these old vehicles. Because the toughest Hill and they will not give up. They don't wanna give up. That's what's great about these old vehicles. I have 2 classic pick up trucks. Can I do not wanna give up?

What a great story you have aired today. That gentleman was a wealth of knowledge. Love watching this sort of entertainment. Your enthusiasm shows through in your videos. Well done .

I just received my ICT t-shirt today, and thank you for the note and the sticker. Love your channel.

"HELP ME TOM CRUISE "!!! WAS FILMED THERE??? WOW.....WOW!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO,this is almost as good as that old timey racin!!

THIS IS AWESOME!!! I passed by the track a month or so ago on a delivery. Never thought Id see all of this. Keep it up!

Nothing in the world like all this stuff your finding…. Thanks for the vids and keep them coming please.

I love hearing these stories and seeing history beeing restored

Just heard Rockingham got a $9 million dollar grant for upgrades and they gonna pave the track and put lights up all the way around the track. I don’t think they would put that kind of money in it if they wouldn’t planning on something coming back

Loved hearing Ronnie’s stories! Also loved how the young guy who currently works there is so interested in what Ronnie has to say

Thanks again man enjoyed the history!

Love this, thanks for taking the time to edit this and share with us. My fiancé lives less than a mile from the Nazareth track in PA and it’s so neat to look at. Andrettis live a few miles away as well. Was cool to hear Ronnie talk about that some

Those old signs get my heart pumping. Freaking loving this channel

Thank you for the history lesson. This is getting better and better.

Great video!!! Always love to hear "Dale" stories too. If you ever need a hand my daughter Daytona and I are right up the road in Troutman. Keep up the great work!!!👍🇺🇲🏁

Charge a few bucks for tours and such to help fund the repairs ? This place is # 2 on the list of tracks that need to be brought back. Grass roots!

Great content 👌👏 great questions. The history is priceless

Its like everything that was ever there is still there and this guy retired when they shut down and left it as is minus the expensive stuff sold at auction. Literal time capsule. Been here since 17k subs when you were on rocky mountain raceweek in the escalade and loving every vid man

The closet I’ve been to that track was attending Roy Hill’s Drag Racing School for Pro Stock license in 1995 at the drag strip. Roy told us about using the drag strip as a landing strip for the private planes. Cool to hear that story here as well! Great content!

I loved this video. Love hearing all the old stories.

I love the ole days of Nascar racing. I'm so happy you are digging up bones of days past. Can't wait to see what you discover next!

WOW!!! Look At That New Shop!!!! Nice!!! 😁

So, I've watched a couple of your videos in the past, but then I found these, and the video from North Wilkesboro. I'm loving them man. Brings back my childhood.

This is awesome. The old the past of NASCAR. You are doing great things. Love the videos. You really got to get hooked up with Dale Jr. With lost speedways you go further in depth than he does. Keep doing what you are doing it's awesome.

Just wanted to comment, back in the day when Rockingham was The Rock , the family and I stopped by to see the track on a Saturday going to Myrtle Beach . At the time they were racing Go Carts . We parked by the tunnel and there was a man in the guard shack , we ask if we could go in tunnel and see the track , he said sure! It was Ronnie , that really meant a lot to us.

This guy is awesome. I love how happy he got and let too much info out about drugs and k-9s. Alarms went off in his head when it slipped out lololol

I cant begin to tell you how much your videos mean to me. I love the history of the sport. When I was growing up my father and I would attend Nascar races a couple times a year. Watching your videos and reliving the history that I remember so well brings back great memories. Thank you for that. I love all your merch designs. I hope to purchase some when I can afford to. Thank you!