VIDEO: Charlotte finalizes Roval layout

Monday, 22 January 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vsEvy7IRkc

Kelly Crandall / Image by Charlotte Motor Speedway




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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vsEvy7IRkc

The layout for the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course has been finalized.

During the opening day of the 2018 NASCAR Media Tour, hosted by CMS, track officials revealed a tweaked course that is now 17 turns and 2.28 miles. The change was in Turns 7 and 8, making that section of the course, which leads onto what is Turn 1 of the oval course, a sweeping turn instead of the tight left-hander than had been seen on one of the past designs.


The adjustment will make the lap times quicker and the course faster.

"With these updates, the Roval is sure to provide the best show for the fans and the most challenging road course for drivers," said track president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Marcus Smith.


"We've obtained great feedback over the past year from champion drivers including Mario Andretti and Jeff Gordon, and with their help and collaborative effort with NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway is proud to showcase this brand-new course on the NASCAR schedule. Fans are going to see a thrill show unlike any other when September rolls around and racing comes to the Roval."


Charlotte will make history this season when it hosts the first road course race in the playoffs. The Bank of America 500 is set for Sunday, September 30, and will be the elimination race in the Round of 16.

However, with the course design now finalized there is still one piece left to be worked out: race distance. NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer Steve O'Donnell told the assembled media on Monday that is "still TBD."