The NASCAR driver ROVAL memorable moments at Charlotte Motor Speedway have become legendary in just a few short years, drawing passionate anticipation as the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 returns this October. Racers like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Christopher Bell are recounting their defining ROVAL experiences, while the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series gears up for its own highly awaited debut on the 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course.
Since 2018, the ROVAL has witnessed career-altering victories and heartbreaking setbacks as championship hopes have ridden on split-second calls made in treacherous chicanes. This year, from October 3-5, the iconic challenge of the Charlotte course once more stands ready to influence post-season dreams for a new set of competitors across Cup and Truck Series events.
Drivers Reflect on Defining ROVAL Experiences
Cup Series front-runner Kyle Larson, fresh off his 2024 Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 win, recognizes both the challenges and excitement that the track brings. He notes,
“I’ve had some stressful moments at the ROVAL™ for sure. Thankfully, we had a great car there last year, and hopefully our car will be even better this year. Hopefully, we’ll be in a good position and can execute a good day.”
—Kyle Larson, Cup Series No. 5, 2024 Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 Winner
Inaugural ROVAL™ 400 winner Ryan Blaney, who succeeded with a stunning last-lap move in 2018, underscores the importance of familiarity with the intricate circuit, stating,
“I definitely think experience helps. The more laps you’ve run at a place, it definitely helps. I think it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a better understanding of that race track and how it plays out in a lot of the restart scenarios. Experience never hurts.”
—Ryan Blaney, Cup Series No. 12, 2018 Inaugural Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 Winner
AJ Allmendinger, who has claimed five ROVAL victories across Cup and Xfinity, fondly recalls the unique joy of those moments on the Charlotte road course. He remarks,
“To win at Charlotte was special. I didn’t expect all the celebrating afterward. Every time I thought we were done, there was something else — the champagne toast, the fans, all of it. Usually, it’s Victory Lane, a few pictures, some media and then you’re gone. To be able to celebrate as much as we did was a lot of fun.”
—AJ Allmendinger, Cup Series No. 16, Five-time Winner on the ROVAL™ Course (Cup/Xfinity)
Christopher Bell, whose clutch victory in 2022 kept his championship run alive, observes the advantage hard-earned experience provides, saying,
“My past experience definitely gives me an advantage at the Charlotte road course, especially with how tight the corners are, knowing when to use the bumper and when not to — that’s the key.”
—Christopher Bell, Cup Series No. 20, 2022 Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 Winner
For Chase Briscoe, winning the inaugural Xfinity race on the ROVAL marked a turning point in his career. He reflects,
“The ROVAL™ win was a huge thing for my career. I thought my career was over at the time, truthfully, and, I remember asking the executives that week what the plan was going forward, and nobody really wanted to tell me anything. Then we were able to win that first (Xfinity) ROVAL™ race, and, literally on Monday, they were like, what do we gotta do to figure out how to get you full-time next year.”
—Chase Briscoe, Cup Series No. 14, Inaugural Blue Cross NC 250 Xfinity Race Winner
Truck Series Competitors Draw on Diverse Racing Backgrounds
The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series makes its first appearance at the Charlotte ROVAL this year, creating new intrigue as playoff contenders evaluate their preparation and past experiences. Daniel Hemric, currently driving Truck Series No. 11, discusses the edge his multifaceted ROVAL background brings, sharing,
“As we prepare for the ROVAL™, having a lot of laps around that place, not only in NASCAR divisions, but growing up as a kid, we raced many different configurations throughout the wintertime on different configurations of what is now the ROVAL™. So, we’ve got a lot of laps there in a lot of entry-level vehicles, as well as the NASCAR Xfinity series and Cup Series. I’m excited to go there and try to apply those past notebooks and learn another vehicle, being a truck, there for the first time. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I like our chances.”
—Daniel Hemric, Truck Series No. 11, Truck Series Playoff Contender
Rajah Caruth, himself a Truck Series playoff contender, points to his diverse ROVAL experience, from Xfinity cars to Legend Cars, stating,
“My previous experience at the ROVAL™, not just in the NASCAR Xfinity series but in U.S. Legend Cars, will be a help for me with just knowing the ins and outs of the race track, how big the curbs are, where different creases are and compressions and whatnot. There’s only one difference from the last time I was there with Turn 7 and 8. I ran where it was the hourglass in the Xfinity Car, but in trucks, we’re going all the way around, which I’ve run in the Legend Car, oddly enough, so it’ll be nice to relive some memories over there and remember the experience I had with Alpha Prime Racing. I think that just helps me know where things are and get up to speed with everything being in one day, with practice and qualifying right there and going to race. I’m super excited for the opportunity to lock into the final four.”
—Rajah Caruth, Truck Series No. 71, Truck Series Playoff Contender
Ty Majeski, another contender, compares approaching the track in different types of race cars, explaining,
“The trucks and Xfinity Cars are a lot different, but it’s still four wheels and four gears. A lot of the shift points will probably be similar. The biggest change from when I ran in 2018 is that hairpin corner (Turn 7). Watching the Xfinity race back from last year’s race, it looks pretty exciting.”
—Ty Majeski, No. 98, Truck Series Playoff Contender
Anticipation Builds for the Next Chapter at Charlotte
As the 2024 Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 approaches, energy is building for another round of high-stakes battles among both seasoned Cup racers and up-and-coming Truck Series drivers. The mix of hard-won experience, youthful ambition, and technical skill promises relentless drama on the unique Charlotte Motor Speedway layout.
With legends such as Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, and AJ Allmendinger sharing distinct memories and perspectives, and new contenders like Daniel Hemric and Rajah Caruth ready to forge their own legacies, ROVAL weekend stands poised to add new memorable chapters to the vibrant history of NASCAR driver ROVAL memorable moments. Fans and competitors alike eagerly await the twists and triumphs that may shape careers and decide playoff fates at one of the sport’s most demanding road courses.
