On Friday afternoon, Charlotte Motor Speedway confirmed that paving has begun as the facility is in the midst of a reconfiguration of the ROVAL, which will host the Bank of America ROVAL 400 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
The current paving work is being conducted in a portion of the infield between Turns 6 and 7, which Charlotte Motor Speedway announced back in May will create a longer infield straightaway culminating into a tight, hairpin corner.
Charlotte Motor Speedway will have additional paving done on the frontstretch later this summer. That portion of the reconfiguration will alter the frontstretch chicane. The current chicane will be replaced with a much sharper turn to encourage passing under braking as drivers enter that turn.
Heading into the Coca-Cola 600, Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith explained the changes to the ROVAL layout were made in an effort to boost passing opportunities at the 2.28-mile road course in October.
Those thoughts were echoed by track president and general manager Greg Walter in a press release on Friday.
“In just six short years, the ROVAL has created many unforgettable moments, from Ryan Blaney’s miraculous victory in the inaugural event and Chase Elliott’s unforgettable burnout in Heartburn Turn to AJ Allmendinger’s dramatic triumph for Kaulig Racing last season,” said Walter. “These enhancements are designed to challenge drivers to further push their limits and race for the win in an event that will make or break the championship hopes of several Playoff contenders.”
Charlotte Motor Speedway says in all, the facility is expected to utilize 600 tons of asphalt for the reconfiguration of the ROVAL as well as 23,000 square feet of cement stabilized base and 1,000 cubic yards of dirt. The track states that the majority of the material will be utilized in the new portion of the course between Turn 6 and 7.
