NASCAR is abandoning an iconic track, or at least part of it. Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the most popular pieces; However, one of NASCAR’s experiments, incorporating the track’s road course into the playoff races, did not sit well with drivers and fans. After years of criticism, the sport has finally decided to abandon the ‘Roval’ and the race will once again be held on the Charlotte oval course. The drivers couldn’t be happier, especially one legend in particular, who was always against it.
Veteran pilot reacts to Roval withdrawal
“I hated it when they did it, I hated it while they did it, and I still hate it. I never liked it. Rick Mastnaturally, loves traditional races. For stock car drivers, this usually means racing on an oval circuit. Few people like the idea of road courses due to the difference in driving style and prefer to stick to ovals. As the sport now prepares to bid farewell to the track’s original layout, Mast has some strong opinions.
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“You have to give them credit, you give credit to NASCAR over the last few years for everything that they’ve done and done well. I mean the Roval is kind of in line with all these other things that they’ve done,” he said.
The sport has attempted to broaden its approach in recent years, with the addition of new road courses and a race in Mexico. While this is to be appreciated, as Mast said, there comes a time when drivers are clearly unhappy with the shape the races are taking. The track had its problems, but the worst was the race’s placement on the schedule.
The nature of the track left very little room for error for the drivers. Corner walls and curbs pose a threat to cars. Since the race was a playoff, drivers were always under threat of elimination.
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Other than that, it didn’t suit their racing style. Stock car racing is built around racing on ovals, and when these drivers have to return to road courses again and again, it can disrupt their performance on ovals, which are a much larger part of the season.
Even though the track was incredible for drivers like Shane van Gisbergen, who dominates every road course, the majority were not happy with the racing. It also explains why Rick Mast, who raced during an era when NASCAR focused more on ovals, hates the layout.
“I just didn’t like the Roval. I don’t know what else to say about it.”
Despite all the hate the track received, it had some happy moments. Between 2018 and 2025, there were a few repeat winners who seemed to be the only ones happy with the layout.
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Pilots who master the Charlotte Roval
The Charlotte Roval hosted the Bank of America Roval 400. The track was longer than the original oval, the latter measuring 1.5 miles, and the Roval was 2.28 miles. The race took place over a distance of 250 miles, spread over 109 laps. With 17 turns, the layout was difficult to master, especially given the small margin for error. However, some drivers have managed to win the race several times.
Chase Elliott seemed to be the first master. Although he didn’t win the race the first time around, he came back in 2019 to score a big victory behind the wheel of his No. 9 Chevrolet. Very quickly, he won the race for a second consecutive time in 2020, reflecting the true master of the road course.
However, it was Ryan Blaney who was the first driver to win at the track in 2018. Driving for Penske, he started the race in ninth place, but showed excellent craftsmanship throughout the event and took a big victory.
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 13: Kyle Larson 5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet and his daughter Audrey celebrate after the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 on October 13, 2024, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 13 NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2410133828
But 2021 told a different story. Kyle Larson was in contention for its first title, and its playoff entry was in jeopardy at the Roval that year. Having started the race in 10th place, the victory seemed narrow. But he kept his consistency and had a solid victory that day, also winning his first Cup Series championship later that year.
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He won the race again in 2024, reliving his moment from three years ago. This also made Hendrick Motorsports the most successful team on the track.
Even though there were no other repeat winners on the track, Christopher Bell won the race in 2022. The race went into overtime and ended on lap 112. The only time this happened was on the track. His victory was followed by AJ Allmendinger in 2023, and undoubtedly in 25, it was Shane van Gisbergen.
The track was special for some. However, the NASCAR veteran’s disdain for that alone seems like a good reason not to race there again. Now that the Cup Series will once again be held on the oval twice a year, it will be interesting to see if the same drivers manage to win, given the changed championship format.
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