By Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press
CONCORD, N.C — Elimination has arrived in NASCAR’s playoffs at the newly configured Charlotte Motor Speedway, where modifications to the hybrid road course and oval known as The Roval have introduced a wave of uncertainty for drivers competing for the championship.
After Sunday’s race, the field of 12 will see four drivers eliminated, including Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, and Chase Briscoe, all of whom are below the cutline. Currently, William Byron is the only driver assured a spot in the round of eight, while Christopher Bell merely needs to start the race to secure his advancement.
This means that anything can unfold on the reconfigured The Roval, which is the final race in a second playoff round that has already been quite unusual. Notably, a championship-contending driver failed to clinch victory at either Kansas Speedway or Talladega Superspeedway. The latter experienced a chaotic finish last week, resulting in 28 cars wrecking with just five laps left in regulation, marking the largest crash in the history of NASCAR.
The Roval, created by Speedway Motorsports in 2018, was designed to break the monotony of the traditional 1.5-mile speedway that fans had come to find less engaging due to the lack of variety on the NASCAR schedule. While the original layout had its share of chaos, drivers often expressed concerns about insufficient passing opportunities.
However, this desire for more action has led to a track that features “passing zones” that resemble “crashing zones” far more closely.
The alterations start at Turn 5, where a rapid downhill corkscrew has caused cars to launch off all four wheels during simulator tests. The straightaway has been elongated toward a new Turn 6, introducing an elevation change that will affect visibility for drivers until they reach the top of the hill.
- WATCH: How to watch NASCAR Cup, Xfinity series races this weekend in Charlotte: times, channels
Drivers will need to reduce speed entering Turn 6 before making a sharp left-hand turn into Turn 7, which is essentially a 180-degree turn leading onto the banked oval. The final chicane has also been modified to feature a sharper apex at Turn 16.
“The reconfiguration aims to bring about more chaos. You’ll need to convince me otherwise,” stated Denny Hamlin. “They’ve made the corners sharper and tighter. It seems they want drivers to charge straight into the corner, potentially colliding with whoever is ahead, creating a congested situation in Turn 7. It will ultimately come down to who can maneuver through there.”
“Entering Turn 6 presents a blind spot, and as you progress through the course, navigating those changes will be crucial.”
At turns 5 and 6, as you crest a rise, your vehicle lifts considerably. In the simulator, it takes flight. While it may not occur in reality, we have the chance to experience this new Roval configuration. Frankly, my only advice is to focus on qualifying and do your best to steer clear of any collisions. That sums it up.”
Title contender Alex Bowman shared his thoughts: “Turn 6 is completely blind. You won’t see it until you’re right on top of it, which adds an interesting challenge. Turn 7 is akin to attempting a U-turn on a one-way street, so chaos is definitely on the horizon.”
Is this a fair situation for the drivers, tasked with quickly familiarizing themselves with a new layout while their championship hopes hang in the balance?
“It’s a level playing field,” stated reigning Cup champion Ryan Blaney. “Each person will experience it differently, and it will boil down to who can adapt the fastest. I’ve been working on the simulator. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Clarification on damaged vehicle policy
This week, NASCAR had to convene with Cup Series crew chiefs to clarify the enforcement of the damaged vehicle policy for the rest of the playoffs, following its problematic application last week at Talladega.
There’s been some ambiguity surrounding the DVP rule, particularly after drivers Ryan Blaney and Josh Berry were involved in first-lap incidents during playoff races. Despite the minimal damage to both cars, previous rulings under the DVP rule deemed both drivers out of the race and prohibited them from being towed to the pit since they could not continue due to contact.
Last Sunday at Talladega, when a massive 28-car pileup led to a red flag, NASCAR struggled to manage the cleanup process. Several damaged vehicles were left stranded with flat tires at the entrance of Turn 3, and playoff contenders Chase Elliott and Briscoe were towed back to their stalls to carry out repairs.
Under the prior application of the rule, those cars should have been declared out as they had four flat tires and could not return to pit road on their own.
Adding to the confusion, the cars towed back to the pit were allowed to start repairs when NASCAR lifted the red flag. The troubling aspect was that the cars unaffected by the crash were held on the backstretch by the pace car, causing significant delays before traffic could resume.
Driver William Byron signs autographs before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
AP
Drivers expressed their frustration as those in need of repairs remained stranded, while others—many of whom would have been disqualified from the race—were already making efforts to rejoin.
NASCAR officials informed teams that the DVP policy would be applied throughout the playoffs in the same manner as it was during Talladega. This policy stipulates that if a vehicle has flat tires and seems capable of continuing but cannot be driven back, it will be towed to its pit stall. There, the team will have a seven-minute window to change tires and assess any damage for repairs.
News and notes
Greg Biffle, a retired NASCAR driver and helicopter pilot, has been leading a significant rescue and recovery initiative in areas of Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. He was appointed the honorary starter for Sunday’s race. … Recent inductees into the Hall of Fame, Carl Edwards and Ricky Rudd, who were elected in May but have largely been absent from NASCAR since their retirements, will act as the grand marshals. … Briscoe and his wife, Marissa, welcomed twins this week. He felt stressed on Saturday as he rushed to complete his tasks at the speedway before returning to his growing family of five. He mentioned that his wife had to visit the emergency room on Saturday for follow-up care. Despite the circumstances, Briscoe affirmed that the stress would not hinder his performance on Sunday as he faces playoff elimination.
AP auto racing:
High Stakes and High Speed: NASCAR Drivers Brace for Chaos at The Roval Amid Playoff Eliminations
The Roval: A Unique NASCAR Challenge
The Roval, a hybrid road course and oval track, presents one of the most exhilarating challenges in NASCAR. Situated at Charlotte Motor Speedway, this unique configuration forces drivers to navigate tight turns, sharp corners, and high-speed straights. As the NASCAR playoffs progress, drivers face the daunting task of mastering this unpredictable track while also managing the intense pressure of elimination racing.
### What Makes The Roval Unique?
– **Combination of Road Course and Oval**: The Roval’s layout includes both road course elements and traditional oval sections, requiring drivers to adjust their strategies significantly.
– **High Speed, High Risk**: With top speeds reaching over 170 mph, any mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences.
- **Tight Turns and Elevation Changes**: The winding turns and elevation changes test the skills of even the most experienced drivers.
### The Importance of the NASCAR Playoffs
The NASCAR playoff system narrows the field to 16 drivers vying for the coveted championship title. Each race becomes increasingly critical, especially on a challenging track like The Roval where mistakes can lead to early elimination.
#### Key Playoff Structure Details:
| Stage | Description | Points Available |
|————-|—————————————–|——————|
| Round of 16 | First elimination round | 3,000 + bonus |
| Round of 12 | Second elimination round | 3,000 + bonus |
| Round of 8 | Third elimination round | 4,000 + bonus |
| Championship | Final race for the title | 5,000 + bonus |
### The High Stakes of the Roval
As drivers engage with the Roval, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Drivers are not only racing against each other but also against the looming threat of elimination. Here’s a deeper look at the implications:
1. **Pressure to Perform**: Drivers who don’t secure enough points risk elimination from the championship hunt. This creates a high-pressure environment where every lap counts.
2. **Potential for Chaos**: The Roval’s layout increases the chances of accidents, as drivers push their limits to gain crucial positions. This chaos is compounded during playoff eliminations.
3. **Strategic Pit Stops**: With the potential for unexpected incidents, teams must have a strategic plan for pit stops to maximize positions on the track.
### Tips for NASCAR Drivers at The Roval
Navigating the Roval requires not just speed but also strategic planning. Here are some practical tips for drivers:
- **Know the Track**: Familiarity with The Roval’s nuances is crucial. Regular practice and studying previous races can provide significant advantages.
– **Manage Tire Wear**: The combination of road course and oval sections can lead to varied tire wear. Monitoring tire performance throughout the race is essential.
– **Stay Calm Under Pressure**: Keeping composure is vital, especially during the high-stress playoff races. Mental preparation can be just as important as physical readiness.
– **Utilize Spotters**: Effective communication with spotters can help drivers navigate tricky situations and make real-time decisions.
### Case Study: Past Roval Races and Performances
Examining previous races at The Roval highlights the unpredictability and excitement of this track:
– **2018 Race**: The inaugural Roval race was full of surprises, with many playoff contenders facing early exits due to crashes. This race saw **Chase Elliott** take home the win, solidifying his reputation as a road course ace.
– **2021 Race**: The high-speed chaos continued as multiple contenders fell victim to errors. **Kyle Larson** emerged victorious, showcasing the importance of both speed and strategic planning.
### Firsthand Experience: A Driver’s Perspective
Hearing from drivers provides a unique insight into the challenges of racing at The Roval.
**Quotes from Drivers**:
– **Chase Elliott**: ”The Roval is different. You have to be on your game from the moment you hit the track. One mistake, and it’s all over.”
– **Kyle Larson**: “It’s a wild ride. You really have to balance aggression with caution.”
### The Impact of Technology on Racing at The Roval
Advancements in technology have significantly changed how teams prepare for races at The Roval:
– **Data Analysis**: Teams analyze vast amounts of data to understand performance metrics and optimize car setups for the unique demands of the track.
– **Simulators**: Many teams utilize racing simulators to help drivers practice their lines and strategize pit strategies effectively.
### Mental Preparation: The Unseen Factor
Mental resilience plays a crucial role during the high-pressure playoff races:
- **Visualization Techniques**: Many drivers use visualization to mentally prepare for each corner and potential race scenarios.
– **Stress Management**: Techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness can help drivers maintain focus and clarity amidst chaos.
### Analyzing the Competition
Understanding competitors’ strengths and weaknesses is crucial for success at The Roval. Drivers often keep a close eye on their rivals’ strategies and performance metrics during the race, adapting their tactics as necessary.
#### Key Competitors to Watch
| Driver | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|——————-|————————————-|———————————-|
| Chase Elliott | Excellent road course skills | Can be inconsistent on ovals |
| Kyle Larson | Strong in high-pressure situations | Risky driving can lead to errors |
| Denny Hamlin | Strategic thinker | Can struggle with tire management |
| Kevin Harvick | Consistent performer | Relatively weaker on road courses |
### Conclusion
As NASCAR drivers prepare for the high-speed chaos that awaits at The Roval during the playoffs, the blend of strategy, speed, and mental fortitude becomes paramount. With the potential for unexpected twists and turns, every lap could determine a driver’s fate in the championship race. The Roval continues to be a highlight on the NASCAR calendar, showcasing both the thrill of racing and the intense pressure of playoff eliminations. Fans and drivers alike eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this exhilarating saga.
