Chase Elliott Reveals Why Charlotte Roval Tests Every Driver

Following a dramatic win at Kansas Speedway that secured his place in the next playoff round, Chase Elliott is preparing to tackle what he calls the ultimate test—the Charlotte Roval. Combining challenging corners and high-speed straights, the track’s unpredictable nature has become central to the Chase Elliott Charlotte Roval challenge, as every driver faces a critical elimination event pivotal to the NASCAR playoffs.

With Elliott’s recent victory coming after a bold last-lap move between Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace, momentum is on his side heading into the Roval. This 2.32-mile hybrid circuit, characterized by its 17 turns and unique blend of oval power and technical road sections, has become infamous for separating true contenders from the rest. Although Elliott has back-to-back wins here in 2019 and 2020 and now leads the playoff standings, he insists that this course remains a fierce challenge for even the most skilled drivers.

The Demands that Set the Charlotte Roval Apart

Appearing on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Elliott provided insight into why Charlotte’s Roval represents such a formidable hurdle. The track debuted in 2018, quickly developing a reputation for demanding every ounce of focus and precision. As Elliott described, drivers encounter virtually no margin for error due to the lack of traditional run-off areas and the constant proximity of the walls. He noted,

“You just don’t have a lot of outs. There’s not a lot of, like, most road courses, as you know, you go places, and if you blow a corner, there might be a grassy area or something where you can kind of get away and, you know, spin out or run off the road,”

— Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver. This observation highlights the uncomfortable reality that a minor misjudgment often means wall contact, not a forgiving escape to grass.

The Charlotte Roval’s hybrid layout makes every lap a fresh challenge, blending Charlotte Motor Speedway’s banked oval segments with a sinuous technical infield. Drivers must master sharp braking, delicate throttle inputs, and quick reflexes as they transition between fast straights and narrow chicanes. Elliott’s triumphs at this venue, especially in 2019 and 2020, occurred during chaotic races marred by major pileups—evidence of how volatility reigns and one slip can instantly end a contender’s day.

Elliott went further, dissecting how the revised layout, particularly around Turns 6 and 7, amplifies pressure with its tight, blind spots and narrow confines. Referring to the track’s quirks from its early years, he said,

“I know there early on that the racetrack had some nuances that were just different and probably a little uncomfortable inside the car, the way the corners were and still are,”

underlining how mistakes here usually result in substantial damage instead of a mere spinout.

The Roval is more than just a hybrid—it’s a gauntlet requiring mastery over high-speed oval techniques and intricate road course skills. Elliott, with an impressive 7.7 average finish over seven starts, credits success here to adaptability under extreme pressure. Unpredictability is always evident, as underdogs like AJ Allmendinger seized opportunities, such as his surprise 2023 victory amid widespread chaos, demonstrating the ever-changing hierarchy at this venue.

For the drivers, winning at the Charlotte Roval is a badge of honor—proof of skill and resilience. The track has earned a reputation as NASCAR’s most unique test, often throwing playoff strategies into disarray. With dramatic crashes, strategic gambits, and a race layout that lets spectators get close to the action, the Roval has cemented itself as a highlight of the playoff calendar, where anything can—and frequently does—happen.

What Makes the Roval Weekend Unforgettable for Fans

As drivers gear up for the elimination showdown, playoff contenders are eager to guide fans for a richer trackside experience. Denny Hamlin, a seasoned playoff participant in the No. 11 Toyota, emphasized the benefits spectators enjoy at the Charlotte Roval:

“At the ROVAL, there’s a lot to experience there, but honestly, us running through the infield there creates an opportunity for you to get probably closer to the cars than what you would at any other racetrack, certainly the ovals.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver. His point echoes the impact of the 2018 redesign, which brought sections of the race directly into the infield, fostering an environment where fans track the intensity of the competition up-close—a rare treat compared to sprawling superspeedways like Daytona.

Another driver’s perspective comes from Chase Briscoe, representing Joe Gibbs Racing in his first playoff run. His focus was on the unpredictability and excitement that defines the Roval:

“I think fans should come out to watch the ROVAL because it’s always one of the most chaotic races of the Playoffs. The unpredictable always happens; there’s always big crashes and things that just flip the playoff field upside down,”

— Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver. His experience, notably advancing through the chaos in 2022, emphasizes the Roval’s penchant for upsets and reshuffled playoff standings.

Other drivers also chimed in about the specifics of the track’s most notorious sections. Alex Bowman offered vivid commentary on the intensity of the Turn 7 reconfiguration:

“Turn 7 is like making a U-turn on a one-way street, so it’s going to be chaos, for sure,”

— Alex Bowman, NASCAR Driver. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell called attention to what he labeled as a “new calamity corner”—a spot where big accidents are almost expected due to the confined sightlines and relentless pressure of the course.

Off the track, the unique layout results in excellent sightlines for spectators. Most seats offer expansive views of the full 17-turn sequence, thanks to Charlotte Motor Speedway’s compact hybrid configuration. Combined with a family-friendly atmosphere, the Roval delivers both high-stakes competition and an accessible racing environment—adding value for every fan in the stands.

The Road Ahead: Playoff Stakes and Lasting Impact

With the playoff Round of 12 heading into its elimination stage, all eyes turn to Charlotte, North Carolina, as the Roval promises to further test the limits of both cars and drivers. For Chase Elliott and his peers, embracing the course’s chaos and unpredictability could mean the difference between advancement and elimination. NASCAR’s most versatile track continues to reward mastery, adaptability, and nerves of steel, setting the stage for another race where legends and underdogs alike can seize their moment.