Chase Elliott returns to the Charlotte Roval this weekend, carrying solid momentum and a clear focus on upcoming playoff races. The Chase Elliott Charlotte Roval weekend holds special significance for the driver, who locked in his spot in the next playoff round thanks to his recent victory at Kansas Speedway.
Balancing the Roval and the Road to Phoenix
While most drivers see the Charlotte Roval—the only road course in the postseason—as a crucial event, Elliott is adopting a forward-looking strategy. He acknowledges the opportunity at hand, explaining,
I think it’s a great opportunity to race this weekend like we’re going to have to race the next three weeks following that and get our team in a position where that’s the norm because if you want to get to Phoenix, that’s got to be the mindset there anyway. So, you might as well embrace it and enjoy it.
Chase Elliott, Driver.
Thanks to his win at Kansas, where he overtook Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace in the final stretch, Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup champion, has already secured his advancement to the Round of Eight. This achievement lessens the pressure of Sunday’s Roval race, but Elliott is still mindful of its importance to his postseason journey.
Strong Track Record at the Roval
Historically, Elliott has excelled at Charlotte’s road course, boasting two wins, three top-five, and five top-ten finishes in seven starts. Although he can afford to approach this weekend with less urgency, strong performances can earn him additional playoff points, enhancing his position heading into the critical semifinal races: Las Vegas, Talladega, and Martinsville Speedway.
Strategic Focus on Playoff Points
Elliott, who drives the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS, remains intent on maximizing his results at the Roval. He recognizes that securing more points now will benefit his team as the playoffs intensify. He shared,
My mind is really all about Charlotte right now because five more points would be a really big deal for us starting the next round and we will be in a position where you’re going to have to fight for wins over the next round too,
Chase Elliott, Son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott.
While Elliott’s status in the next round is assured, he continues to prepare for the ultimate challenge at Phoenix Raceway, emphasizing the value of every possible advantage.
What Lies Ahead in the NASCAR Cup Playoffs
Following Charlotte, the playoff field will compete at Las Vegas next Sunday, then proceed to Talladega and ultimately, Martinsville. These three races will determine which drivers advance to the Championship 4 finale in Phoenix on November 2. For Elliott—alongside his team at Hendrick Motorsports—performing well at the Roval and collecting more playoff points could prove crucial in the battle for the NASCAR Cup championship.
