NASCAR’s calendar takes an unprecedented pit stop for 2024, leaving legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr in a spin. The most burning rubber on this track of discussion? The potential axing of Charlotte’s Roval. Yet, amidst the swirl of changes, the ROVAL is here to stay, at least for the Bank of America ROVAL 400.

The upcoming season hints at monumental changes. While the incorporation of new tracks like Iowa Speedway generates excitement, the potential removal of fan favorites like Fontana spells apprehension. Additionally, with the Bristol Dirt race taking a backseat and Indy reverting to its oval avatar, the season’s fabric undergoes major weaving.

The fate of Charlotte’s iconic Roval

While the Coca-Cola 600 race stands as a historic NASCAR beacon, the ROVAL, which combines the excitement of road racing with the speed of an oval, has faced criticism. The ROVAL’s inception, combining sharp corners and limited banking, was initially seen as a bridge to something new and not a mainstay. 

During the podcast of GoPRNLIVE, Brad Gillie stated, “I think we have action at this racetrack, and it’s great. It is unique. Why would you want to change that? And here’s the other indicator, and I know Dale Jr has sort of been a big proponent of even trying to wheel it into existence at ‘Oh, I think we’re going back to the oval next year,’ doesn’t sound like that’s happening.

“Other people who are on the competitive side of saying if they say they want the oval. Well, to me, that’s just another reason to stick with the Roval because what the drivers want and the fans want usually don’t align with each other. So yeah, let’s stick with the Roval.” 

The Charlotte Roval, a combination of road course and oval, offered NASCAR a fresh perspective. Some hailed it as a breath of fresh air, while others, like Earnhardt, felt it was a deviation from NASCAR’s soul. According to JRM owner, the Roval feels like a bridge to something bigger, and while entertaining, it shouldn’t replace the essence of classic oval racing.

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Junior’s passion for the track is palpable. But in the high-speed world of NASCAR, is nostalgia enough to steer the course?

Dale Earnhardt Jr expresses his nostalgia

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Junior’s passion for tracks isn’t just about the thrill of the race but the legacy and history behind them. Weaving past and present, Dale Earnhardt Jr admits a bias towards Charlotte, his home track. While he acknowledges the Roval’s appeal, he also shares his yearning for the good old Charlotte oval racing, saying, “I would love to have two oval races there again like we used to have.”

The transformation of a significant portion of the classic Charlotte Oval to accommodate the demands of road course racing has split fans and racers alike. While some embrace the fresh challenge, Earnhardt feels it’s a temporary bridge and not a final destination. “The Roval was fun and good for the sport, but it was like a bridge to something else,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr, who had hinted at a desire to see NASCAR revert to traditional racetracks.

As NASCAR’s 2024 calendar unfurls, with it comes the thrilling unpredictability of the sport. Whether it’s the controversial discussions around tracks or the high-speed on-track clashes, one thing’s certain: NASCAR 2024 is set to be an unforgettable ride.

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