Following the dramatic Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. criticizes NASCAR Roval race discussions reignited as the sport’s key figures voiced their discontent. Spotter Brett Griffin and Earnhardt Jr. both spoke out after the weekend event, renewing debate over the controversial Roval layout scheduled to host the Bank of America Roval 400 on October 5.
The Charlotte Roval, which merges the high-banked oval with the infield road course to create a 2.32-mile circuit with 17 turns, has polarized fans and NASCAR personalities alike. Griffin and Earnhardt Jr. openly questioned whether the race deserves its current place on the NASCAR schedule, with both advocating for its removal. Brett Griffin did not mince words when he posted, “KILL THE ROVAL,” —Brett Griffin, NASCAR Spotter, on social media concerning this fixture. Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered measured agreement, replying, “For a while at least,” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Veteran, as the debate escalated among fans and insiders.
Debate Over the Roval’s Value Intensifies
This recent flare-up comes after Ross Chastain’s win at the Coca-Cola 600, which offered the kind of traditional oval spectacle that enthusiasts have long favored. In contrast, the Bank of America Roval 400 that takes place later in the season has struggled to attain similar levels of fan support or emotional investment. Both Griffin and Earnhardt Jr.’s criticisms reflect broader dissatisfaction within the racing community.
The Roval’s unique configuration, combining almost the entirety of the oval with an extended infield road section, sets it apart from standard oval or road courses elsewhere on the circuit. The race’s status is further complicated by last year’s event, where Kyle Larson started in sixth position but dominated by leading 62 laps before finishing ahead of Christopher Bell. Despite such moments, the Roval has never matched the popularity or legacy of staple events like the Coca-Cola 600.
Comparisons With Formula 1 Spark Further Discourse
Earnhardt Jr., a veteran racer, recently stoked further conversation by attending the Miami Grand Prix, a highlight on the Formula 1 schedule. Drawing on his experience, he reignited longstanding arguments about the differences between oval and road course racing, suggesting that F1 drivers might excel in certain NASCAR events but face unique challenges on oval circuits.
“If F1 raced on ovals, I could have won an F1 race. I grew up racing on ovals. The way you drive an oval versus the way you drive a road course is so different. F1 drivers could come into NASCAR and be competitive, but mainly on the road course.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Veteran, via Hard Rock Bet. This comment underscored his view on the divisive nature of the Roval and fueled further online debates between fans of NASCAR and Formula 1.
Despite his deep roots in NASCAR, Earnhardt Jr. expressed genuine admiration for the F1 experience after observing Max Verstappen’s performance firsthand in Miami.
“I was a bit surprised by how entertained I was by the F1 product, especially when Max Verstappen was trying to defend.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Veteran. This open acknowledgment of F1’s appeal only added another layer to the conversation, involving drivers like Kyle Larson, who previously compared his abilities to Verstappen’s, and intensifying the rivalry between the sports’ supporters.
The public dissatisfaction voiced by leaders such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Brett Griffin has again focused attention on NASCAR’s evolving race calendar. As the Bank of America Roval 400 approaches at Charlotte Motor Speedway, questions about the future of this race, its structure, and its place in American motorsports are likely to remain at the forefront, with fans and drivers closely watching how NASCAR responds to ongoing criticisms.
