NASCAR competitors are sounding off about recent changes at the Charlotte Roval, particularly the addition of turtle curbing. Many drivers, including veterans like Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch, are raising serious concerns over how these modifications affect both their safety and on-track performance.
The Roval, which uniquely blends a road course and an oval, has undergone substantial updates just in time for this weekend’s race. The turtle curbing was introduced to discourage shortcutting and clearly outline the corners. However, what was meant to add a challenge has sparked widespread safety worries. Some drivers have likened the experience of hitting these curbs to suffering a concussion on every lap. Truex Jr. shared his thoughts with FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass:
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“It feels like you get a concussion every lap if you hit them. So, yeah. Not much fun,” he expressed.
Busch echoed Truex Jr.’s sentiments, stating, “It’s not overblowing it. It’s 1000% correct. I don’t know when I’ll see the data, probably not until Monday, but it f**… my head hurts.”
As drivers faced the new curbing during practice and qualifying, the physical toll became apparent. Cars visibly lifted when hitting these curbs, increasing the risk of losing control or sustaining damage.
Despite the drivers’ complaints, NASCAR has no immediate plans to make changes to the Roval this season. However, continuous feedback from drivers like Busch and Truex Jr. might lead to adjustments in the future.
This Roval race marks the last stop before the Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8, with Shane Van Gisbergen claiming the pole position, closely trailed by Tyler Reddick and AJ Allmendinger in second and third, respectively.
NASCAR Cup Series: Bank of America ROVAL 400 Qualifying Results
- Shane Van Gisbergen
- Tyler Reddick
- AJ Allmendinger
- Joey Logano
- Austin Cindric
- Kyle Larson
- Chase Elliott
- Brad Keselowski
- Bubba Wallace
- William Byron
- Kyle Busch
- Christopher Bell
- Daniel Suárez
- Ryan Blaney
- Todd Gilliland
- Ross Chastain
- Alex Bowman
- Denny Hamlin
- Ty Gibbs
- Carson Hocevar
- Michael McDowell
- Austin Dillon
- Zane Smith
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr
- Chase Briscoe
- Harrison Burton
- Daniel Hemric
- Corey LaJoie
- Chris Buescher
- Martin Truex Jr
- Kaz Grala
- Noah Gragson
- Justin Haley
- Ryan Preece
- John H. Nemechek
- Josh Berry
- Erik Jones
- Josh Bilicki