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It’s that time again for another elimination race.
This Sunday, as the Cup Series heads to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course for the Round of 12 finale, four more drivers will see their championship dreams come to an end.
At this North Carolina venue, competitors will face a distinctive challenge. The track, known as the “Roval,” combines Charlotte’s infield road course with a traditional oval layout. Additionally, in 2024, the course has implemented some layout changes to the 17-turn configuration, which is sure to affect the race dynamics.
So, who will be competing in Charlotte? What are the broadcasting and streaming schedules? Which drivers have a shot at the victory? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Bank of America ROVAL 400:
When does the NASCAR race at the Charlotte Roval take place?
The Bank of America ROVAL 400 is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
On race day, prior to the main event, practice and qualifying sessions will take place. The 38 drivers will be divided into two groups (details here), with each group allocated 20 minutes for practice.
After practice, drivers will participate in two rounds of qualifying. Here’s the procedure:
- The 38 drivers will continue to be divided into their respective groups.
- First round: Each group will have 15 minutes. Drivers can complete as many laps as they wish.
- The five quickest drivers from each group will move on to the second round, while starting positions 11 through 38 will be determined by the first round speeds.
- Second round: This round lasts 10 minutes for the top 10 drivers. Similar to the first round, each can make unlimited laps, with the top 10 starting positions based on the fastest single lap from this round.
What is the TV schedule for NASCAR this weekend?
Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), Jeff Burton (analyst), and Steve Letarte (analyst) will cover the race for NBC, supported by reporters Marty Snider, Kim Coon, and Dave Burns from the pit road. Here’s the complete TV and streaming lineup:
Saturday, Oct. 12 (streaming on USA Network)
Sunday, Oct. 13 (NBC and streaming)
NASCAR Charlotte Roval entry list and drivers
In total, 38 drivers will participate in the Charlotte race: 34 full-time competitors plus four others.
On Sunday, two Xfinity Series regulars will join the Cup Series, with road course experts A.J. Allmendinger and Shane van Gisbergen driving for Kaulig Racing. Additionally, part-time racers Kaz Grala for Rick Ware Racing and Josh Bilicki for MBM Motors“`html
Predictions, Picks, and Favorites for the NASCAR Charlotte Roval
At the Roval, there have been five unique winners across six races, although some drivers consistently excel.
Chase Elliott stands out as the only driver with two victories here, boasting an impressive average finish of 8.2 along with a top series record of 109 laps led and a driver rating of 111.2 over six races. Although he has not secured a win in the last three events, he has managed to capture a stage victory in two of those races.
The next four playoff contenders with the best average finishes at the Roval are Bowman (6.4), Reddick (7.0), Logano (8.7), and Blaney (10.2). In his five appearances, Bowman has never finished lower than 10th, while Reddick has led over 20 laps in each of the last two races.
When selecting a winner, strategy could complic
There are 38 drivers competing, with past victories at the Charlotte Roval, but only one of them has secured multiple wins.
Elliott stands out as the winningest driver at this venue, having claimed consecutive victories in 2019 and 2020. Blaney took the honors at the inaugural race in 2018, while other champions include Larson (2021), Bell (2022), and Allmendinger (2023).
NASCAR playoff standings and clinching scenarios for Charlotte
After Chastain and Stenhouse emerged victorious in the first two races of the Round of 12, no playoff drivers were able to automatically progress to the Round of 8 with a win. Currently, Byron is the sole driver to have accumulated enough points to secure his position in the next round, leaving the remaining 11 competitors to battle for the last seven openings.
A comprehensive overview of NASCAR’s playoff format can be found here.
As we approach Charlotte, here are the playoff standings, noting that the bottom four are at risk of elimination unless they either win the race or accumulate enough points to break into the top eight:
Playoff standings ahead of Charlotte
No matter how the other drivers perform, the following individuals can secure their advancement to the Round of 8 with these finishes or points:
- Bell: 26th place, or 11 points
- Larson: 21st place, or 16 points
- Hamlin: 38 points
- Bowman: 42 points
- Blaney: 43 points
- Reddick: 54 points
- Elliott, Logano, Suarez, Cindric, and Briscoe: Cannot clinch automatically without a win
2024 Bank of America ROVAL 400: Key Details, Driver Insights, and Championship Stakes at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Event Overview
The 2024 Bank of America ROVAL 400 is poised to be a thrilling event in the NASCAR Cup Series, marking the second eliminatory race in the playoffs. Scheduled to take place at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, this race has garnered attention for its unique challenges and competitive landscape.
Date and Location
- Date: October 10, 2024
- Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, North Carolina
Championship Stakes
As the playoffs continue to intensify, the stakes for the Bank of America ROVAL 400 are exceptionally high. This race serves as a critical juncture for drivers aiming to secure their spots in the next round of the NASCAR playoffs. With only a select few advancing, each position on the track could be the difference between contention and elimination.
Playoff Format and Implications
The NASCAR playoff format consists of multiple rounds, with drivers accumulating points based on their race finishes. The ROVAL 400 is crucial for drivers in the elimination zone, as a strong performance could propel them into the next round, while poor finishes might lead to their exit from the championship chase.
Driver Insights
Several key drivers are expected to dominate the ROVAL 400, each bringing their unique skills and strategies to this challenging course.
Top Contenders
| Driver Name | Team | 2024 Season Wins | Playoff Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports | 2 | 5th |
| Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | 1 | 3rd |
| Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | 3 | 2nd |
| Joey Logano | Penske Racing | 1 | 7th |
Each of these drivers has shown remarkable resilience and skill throughout the season, making them key figures to watch as they navigate the ROVAL’s technical turns and elevation changes.
Driver Strategies
- Chase Elliott: Known for his road course prowess, Elliott will likely focus on maintaining tire longevity while maximizing track position.
- Denny Hamlin: Hamlin is expected to leverage his experience to execute strategic pit stops that could give him an edge over competitors.
- Kyle Larson: Larson’s aggressive driving style may help him gain crucial spots in the early laps, setting a strong pace for the race.
- Joey Logano: Logano’s tactical approach will be essential for navigating the ROVAL’s complex layout efficiently.
Track Characteristics of Charlotte ROVAL
The Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL is notoriously challenging, combining elements of both oval and road racing. Understanding its unique characteristics can provide insights into what drivers will face on race day.
Key Features of the ROVAL
- Length: 2.28 miles
- Turns: 17 turns, including technical sections that require precise braking and acceleration.
- Surface: A mix of asphalt and concrete, providing varied grip levels.
- Elevation Changes: Significant elevation changes test drivers’ skills and vehicle handling.
Historical Performance
In previous editions of the ROVAL 400, drivers who strategically managed their tires and executed well-timed pit stops have often found success. Historical data shows that finishing in the top five at this track is crucial for playoff advancement.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Fans
Attending the Bank of America ROVAL 400 is an exciting experience for any NASCAR fan. Here are some practical tips and benefits of attending the event:
What to Expect
- Exciting Atmosphere: The buzz of the crowd and the roar of engines create an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Access to Drivers: Many teams offer fan engagement events, providing opportunities to meet drivers and team members.
- Merchandise Exclusives: Event-specific merchandise is often available, perfect for collectors.
Tips for Attendees
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and secure good parking.
- Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated, as sun exposure can be intense.
- Consider wearing comfortable shoes, as you may walk considerable distances around the track.
- Check the schedule for events leading up to the race, such as driver signings and pre-race ceremonies.
Conclusion
The 2024 Bank of America ROVAL 400 promises to be a pivotal event in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. With high stakes for championship contenders and an enthusiastic fan base, this race is not to be missed. Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or a casual observer, the ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is sure to deliver excitement and unforgettable moments.
