AJ Allmendinger posted the fastest time during the latest NASCAR Cup Series practice results at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval on Saturday, setting the stage for a highly anticipated race weekend. His performance was notable as teams and drivers prepared for the upcoming Bank of America Roval 400, highlighting his continued strength on road courses.
Allmendinger Leads the Field in Practice
Returning to the site of his 2023 win, AJ Allmendinger set the pace in the Saturday practice session with a lap time of 86.630 seconds, reaching an average speed of 96.410 mph on the 2.32-mile Roval layout. The practice results provide both drivers and fans with a preview of this challenging road course event, underscoring Allmendinger’s status as a formidable competitor in this specialty setting.
Top Contenders and Playoff Performances
Ty Gibbs followed closely behind, seeking his first career victory and finishing second on the charts. Daniel Suarez, Kyle Busch, and Zane Smith filled out the top five, ensuring a competitive mix at the front of the field. Among NASCAR Cup Series Playoff drivers, Kyle Larson stood out as the fastest, securing the seventh-best time overall. His showing signals strong preparation as the Playoffs continue to unfold.
Track Conditions Affect the Practice Session
In the initial group that took to the track—none of whom were Playoff drivers—participants enjoyed an early advantage. Tire marbles accumulated quickly, leading to slower times for the second group. A key takeaway from the session was aggressive tire degradation, as drivers experienced a notable drop of about four seconds per lap across 10-15 lap runs. These evolving conditions could influence both strategy and performance during the race itself.
Unexpected Developments and Notable Incidents
Shane van Gisbergen, aiming for his fifth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series road course victory, finished 17th in practice, surprising many observers given his recent streak of dominance. Meanwhile, rookie contender Riley Herbst endured a dramatic incident when he crashed into the barrier, damaging his No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota and ranking 22nd on the time sheets.
Anticipation for the Main Event
The full practice results have heightened anticipation for the Bank of America Roval 400, the 32nd race in the 36-event NASCAR Cup Series calendar. Drivers, including Playoff contenders and Rookie of the Year hopefuls, will face both a technically challenging course and unpredictable tire wear as they chase victory.
“Let the fun begin tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET on @USANetwork. pic.twitter.com/u1Djo71zJh”
—NASCAR, Official Twitter Account
The outcome of the race will have significant implications for the Playoff standings and could see new career achievements for rising talents like Ty Gibbs or established names like Kyle Larson and Daniel Suarez. With multiple storylines unfolding at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, fans and teams alike are eager for what promises to be an action-packed event.
Let the fun begin tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET on @USANetwork. 😆 pic.twitter.com/u1Djo71zJh
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 4, 2025
