A Legacy Preserved: Nancy Daugherty Keeps Rockingham’s NASCAR History Alive

Rockingham, N.C. — Tucked away just a few miles from the legendary Rockingham Speedway sits a home that holds a slice of NASCAR history unlike any other. It’s not a museum in the traditional sense, but step inside Nancy Daugherty’s house, and you’re instantly transported into the golden era of stock car racing.

Nancy, the youngest daughter of L.G. DeWitt — the original owner and visionary behind Rockingham Speedway — has spent decades preserving her family’s legacy and the roots of the track that helped shape NASCAR. Her self-described “NASCAR museum” may not have official signage or admission tickets, but it is, without question, a treasure trove of motorsports memorabilia.

From race-worn fire suits and vintage photos to hand-signed driver autographs and original track documents, Nancy’s collection spans generations. Her walls are lined with stories — not just of the legends who raced at The Rock, but also of the tireless work her father poured into transforming a patch of Carolina dirt into one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.

“This isn’t just a collection,” Nancy says with pride. “It’s my family’s history. It’s Rockingham’s history. And I want people to remember how important this place was — and still is — to racing.”

L.G. DeWitt was more than a promoter; he was a pioneer. Under his leadership, Rockingham became a cornerstone of the NASCAR schedule, hosting Cup Series races from 1965 to 2004. Legends like Richard Petty, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon all etched their names into the track’s history. And behind the scenes, Nancy grew up immersed in it all — from watching drivers prep in the garage to witnessing the roar of engines from pit road.

Today, as NASCAR returns to Rockingham and eyes a new chapter for the storied speedway, Nancy’s home stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of what once was — and what still can be.

Fans and insiders alike often speak of racing’s need to remember its roots. Thanks to people like Nancy Daugherty, those roots aren’t just remembered — they’re lovingly preserved, one artifact, one story, and one race at a time.