The "Roval" at Charlotte Motor Speedway will have a wider backstretch chicane when the Mosnter Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series take on the road course-oval hybrid course for the second time in late September. The course made its debut on both series' schedules in 2018.
“This is all about a very hard braking zone, a hard real left turn and another right,” Speedway Motorsports Inc. President and CEO Marcus Smith said. “It’s slow in but fast off. We think that’s going to set the cars up for a really great frontstretch chicane as well and give us a chance for more side-by-side racing.”
Last year, the backstretch chicane was 32 feet wide at its widest point, but for this year's race seekend [Sept. 28 and 29], it will be 54 feet wide at its widest point and include more runoff areas. According to Smith, the change should produce more passing and slower speeds in that area of the race track.
“My hat’s off to Marcus and the team at Charlotte Motor Speedway for talking with drivers and industry experts as they work to further improve the ‘Roval,'” Cup Series driver Kyle Larson said. “The changes to the backstretch look like they will help create an additional passing zone and make it that much more exciting for the fans. After last year’s wild finish, I’ll take every possible opportunity to gain track position and earn some points.”
Also, the yearly Xfinity Series race on the "Roval" has been extended from 55 to 67 laps for 2019. Last year's race was completed in just over an hour-and-a-half. The extended length will be divided into two 20-lap stages and a 27-lap stage.
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