Ahead of the Cup Series race at The Roval, NASCAR decided that they needed to reconfigure the track. The road course race plays the role of the wild card during the playoffs and after the number of wrecks taking place at races, the governing body put their foot down. There was a huge layout change of the track before the Xfinity Series race began. However, for the Cup Series event, NASCAR decided to make yet another change.

The reconfiguration of the Roval took place as NASCAR decided to add new turns after turn 5, which are now known as the 6th and 7th. This was done to minimize the wrecks on track, and judging from the Xfinity Series race, it was quite successful. However, there was a problem that drivers complained about ever since heading into the practice. The issue pointed out was the apex turtles that ended up being much taller than drivers would like.

NASCAR reduces the turtle height on request from the teams

Many drivers came forward to discuss the issue with the turtles. Martin Truex Jr and Kyle Busch were two drivers who voiced their concerns publicly, and it looks like NASCAR heard their wishes. After the Xfinity Series race was concluded, NASCAR decided to listen to the drivers and reduce the height of the turtles.

According to a report from Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass on X, “NASCAR has replaced the turtles in the front stretch chicane with 2.5-inch humps (turtles were 4 inches high).” This was what led to many cars losing control and pace on the tracks, and NASCAR decided to ease their experience.

Pockrass uploaded a picture on X with a few drivers and the crew chief analyzing the track after a weekend of struggle-filled practice and qualifying sessions. NASCAR has been in damage control mode ever since they have faced repeated scrutiny for their actions.

Recent situations like the DVP confusions and the charter agreement lawsuit have put the officials in a position where they just want the drivers to have a good race. Road course races are relatively rare on the NASCAR calendar and the fact that the officials heard the request of drivers makes fans believe that the Roval is here to stay.

NASCAR implemented the change at the request of drivers, and this does put the officials in a favorable position for teams and fans. So let’s see what the drivers had to say about the track that led NASCAR to make these changes.

Martin Truex Jr’s take on the Roval turtles

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Martin Truex Jr was not happy with this experience during the practice and qualifying of the Roval. The 2.28-mile track has undergone several changes for the Bank of America Roval 400 and with the modifications to the course of the race, new turtles were installed on the apex. The turtles’ heights were eventually reduced; however, that change came only after Truex Jr voiced his concern.

According to the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran, “Feels like you got a concussion every lap, basically if you hit them. So yeah, not much fun.” It seems that Joe Gibbs Racing drivers did not have a good time during qualifying, especially considering their highest-placed driver was Christopher Bell starting the race 12th.

Even during the simulator tests, Truex Jr faced problems with the turtles as he explained, “I would say if you hit them, you are airborne, at least two tires.” This can cause drivers to lose control over their cars, and although this did not have significant repercussions during the practice and qualifier, things would be different with 38 cars on the track at the same time.

For the Roval race, it will be road course aficionado Shane van Gisbergen who will be taking pole, followed by Tyler Reddick and AJ Allmendinger. With two playoff drivers towards the front of the grid, there is a chance that one of them takes the win. However, after how the Xfinity Series race went, it’s clear that pole position doesn’t necessarily always convert to a win.

With the changes that NASCAR is implementing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, who do you think will win the Cup Series Roval 400? Share your thoughts in the comments below.