CHARLOTTE, NC — As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval for the highly anticipated Bank of America Roval 400, driver Chase Briscoe is gearing up for a critical race in the playoffs. Scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 13, the event will feature a challenging 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course layout, with 109 laps covering 252.88 miles.
The Bank of America Roval 400 marks the final road-course race of the 2024 season and comes at a pivotal moment for Briscoe, who is looking to secure his place in the Round of 8. Despite struggling in earlier road-course races this year, Briscoe’s recent performance at Watkins Glen, where he finished sixth, has rekindled hope for a strong showing in Charlotte.
“This race is crucial for us,” Briscoe said. “Even if we don’t win, we can still point our way in. I must maximize stage points and finish strong to overcome the deficit.”
Briscoe faces a 32-point gap to the top-eight cutoff, making every point critical. He outlined a scenario where winning both stages and finishing second could yield 20 bonus points, significantly aiding his playoff chances.
Revised Roval Layout
This year’s Roval race features a reconfigured track layout that promises to create new driver challenges and opportunities. The most notable changes include an elongated straightaway leading into a tight hairpin and a reshaped chicane that will test drivers’ braking and maneuvering skills. Briscoe expects these modifications to contribute to a more dynamic racing experience.
“It’s going to be chaos at the Roval, but there’s always chaos here,” Briscoe commented. “The new layout should create more passing opportunities, and the tighter sections will definitely make restarts interesting.”
Briscoe’s Road-Course Background
Briscoe’s road-course racing experience extends beyond the NASCAR Cup Series, having achieved notable success in the Xfinity Series, where he secured two road-course wins. He attributes much of his progress in road racing to his dirt-track background and regular practice sessions at the Ford Performance Racing School.
“The relationship with the Ford Performance Racing School has been a huge asset,” Briscoe stated. “Being able to run laps and experiment with different techniques helps a lot when we get to the Roval.”
Playoff Implications
The Bank of America Roval 400 is the final race in the Round of 12, and it will determine which four drivers will be eliminated from the playoffs. Briscoe remains focused on making every lap count, understanding that his performance and the potential misfortunes of his playoff competitors could dictate his advancement.
“Anything can happen at the Roval,” he remarked. “It’s a track where you can gain or lose a lot of points in a short time.”
Fans and drivers alike are eager for the green flag to drop, as a unique blend of skill, strategy, and a touch of luck is required. The Bank of America Roval 400 promises to deliver an exciting conclusion to Round 12 as Briscoe and his fellow competitors vie for a coveted spot in the next playoff round.
Watch and Listen
Fans can catch all the action live on NBC, with radio coverage provided by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. As the drivers take on the revamped Roval layout, the stage is set for a thrilling afternoon of racing in Charlotte.
