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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

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  Debate

Debate

Can the underdogs at Charlotte Roval upset the favorites and shake up the playoff standings?

It’s now or never. The stakes are higher than ever at the Charlotte Roval as four drivers will be eliminated from the playoffs in the Cup and Xfinity Series. For many, the North Carolina track will present a unique challenge, as it’s a unique hybrid between an infield road course and a traditional oval. There have also been significant modifications made to the 17-turn layout, which could add a sense of unpredictability for drivers who are competing to keep their title hopes alive.

From broadcast information to ticketing details, here’s everything that you need to know about the upcoming races at the ‘Roval’ so that you don’t miss out on the NASCAR action in the do-or-die playoff races.

All you need to know about the elimination races at the ‘Roval’

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The NASCAR Xfinity Series kicks things off on Saturday, October 12. Practice begins at 10 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying an hour later—both on the USA Network. The Drive for the Cure 250 starts at 4:10 p.m. ET on the CW Network and PRN, with radio coverage from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Fans can purchase tickets for the elimination race online.

Sam Mayer, the defending race winner, heads to Charlotte under pressure after a disqualification at Talladega. Currently 13 points below the cutline, Mayer likely needs a win to advance. The Xfinity Series will see 38 drivers, including 12 part-timers like Sage Karam, Nathan Byrd, and Josh Bilicki, battling it out on the hybrid track.

As for the Bank of America ROVAL 400, the Cup Series elimination race will see four drivers forced out of title contention before the Round of 8 begins. The practice session will begin at 12:30 p.m. ET followed by qualifying at 2 pm ET and both events will be broadcast on USA Today as well as the NBC Sports App. The race will begin at 2:38 p.m. ET and can be seen on NBC as well as the NBC Sports app while radio coverage will be provided by SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Those interested in watching the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course can purchase their tickets here.

 

What’s your perspective on:

Can the underdogs at Charlotte Roval upset the favorites and shake up the playoff standings?

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A total of 38 drivers will be competing in the 109-lap event, which includes four part-timers. As the 2.28-mile track is a hybrid road course, the likes of A.J. Allmendinger and Shane van Gisbergen will make the jump from the Xfinity Series to NASCAR’s highest level, hoping to enter Victory Lane at the expense of one of the playoff-eligible drivers. Rick Ware Racing’s Kaz Grala and Josh Bilicki from MGM Motorsports will also make an appearance and test their mettle against the very best.

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Charlotte Roval’s modifications could add to driver’s woes

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For the Cup Series, 38 drivers, including part-timers A.J. Allmendinger and Shane van Gisbergen, will navigate the 2.28-mile circuit, hoping to clinch a win and eliminate one of the playoff contenders. This year, the course includes new modifications aimed at increasing passing opportunities and stirring up some high-stakes action. After Turn 5, the extended straightaway leads to a sharper, elevated Turn 7—likely to be a hotspot for incidents as drivers push the limits.

Speaking ahead of the race, Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott said, “That section (Turns 5-7) of the track is going to change the entire flow of the lap there, so I’ve been kind of approaching it as a new track with my preparation. I’ve spent some time in the simulator, just trying to really memorize the track and where the little bumps are. Typically those track scans are pretty good.”

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As things stand, the likes of Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, and Chase Briscoe are outside the elimination cutline and will desperately need a result to keep their title hopes alive. Could we see an upset at the Bank of America ROVAL 400, where an unlikely title contender makes it to the Round of 8 at the expense of one of the favorites? Anything is possible in the playoffs, and with no playoff-eligible driver winning the opening two Rounds of 12 races, all the title contenders will be hoping to get the result at the ‘Roval’.

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