The NASCAR Debate: Should the Roval Stay or Go?
In a bold move, Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in the NASCAR community, has sparked a heated discussion by calling for a significant change to the Cup Series Playoff schedule. He believes it's time to reconsider the place of Charlotte's Roval track.
But here's where it gets controversial... Hamlin, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has expressed his strong dislike for the Roval fall race, urging NASCAR to remove it from the calendar. And this is the part most people miss: he's not alone in this sentiment.
The Roval, a regular feature since 2018, has seen its fair share of winners, with Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing being the latest. However, Hamlin argues that the race lacks the excitement and unpredictability that NASCAR fans crave. He questions whether viewers would choose the Roval over other sports like football, a bold statement indeed.
Hamlin believes a switch to Charlotte's oval track would be a welcome change, offering a more unpredictable outcome, especially given van Gisbergen's dominance on road courses. He suggests that NASCAR's insistence on including a road course in the Playoffs might be due to its ownership ties with Speedway Motorsports (SMI), who own both the Roval and Sonoma.
And this is where it gets interesting: Hamlin proposes that NASCAR doesn't necessarily need a road course race in the Playoffs, citing his early career experiences. He argues that a return to left-turn racing at Charlotte could boost fan engagement and ratings, which have been a concern for NASCAR this season, especially with the growing popularity of football.
However, as of now, the Roval is scheduled to return in 2026, and while the Playoff format is yet to be finalized, it seems likely that it will remain a Playoff track for the foreseeable future. So, the question remains: Should NASCAR listen to Hamlin's call for change, or is the Roval here to stay?
What do you think? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments!
