The Bank of America Roval 400 was a unique NASCAR Cup Series race held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. This race, which ran from 2018 to 2025, was notable for its use of the "Roval" configuration, a combination of road course and oval track. Over its eight-year history, the Roval 400 saw various changes and memorable moments that contributed to its legacy in NASCAR racing.
The Inception of the Roval 400
The Roval 400 was introduced in 2018 as a new addition
to the NASCAR Cup Series, replacing the traditional fall race on the Charlotte oval. The decision to use the Roval configuration was a significant shift, as it combined the speed of an oval with the technical challenges of a road course. The inaugural race was a thrilling event, with Ryan Blaney taking the victory after a dramatic last-lap collision between Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson.
The introduction of the Roval was part of a broader trend in NASCAR to diversify race formats and increase fan engagement. The unique layout of the Roval, with its 17 turns and 2.28-mile length, provided a fresh challenge for drivers and teams, requiring a different set of skills compared to traditional oval racing.
Changes and Challenges
Throughout its history, the Roval 400 underwent several changes. In 2020, the race was moved from late September to mid-October, becoming the final race of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR playoffs. This change added an extra layer of intensity, as drivers faced elimination from the championship hunt.
In 2024, the Roval layout was reconfigured to increase the race distance to 407 kilometers, while maintaining the same number of laps. This change aimed to enhance the racing experience by providing more opportunities for strategy and overtaking. Despite these changes, the Roval 400 remained a challenging and unpredictable race, often influenced by weather conditions, as seen in the 2020 race where wet tires were used for the first time in a NASCAR Cup race.
Memorable Moments and Legacy
The Roval 400 produced several memorable moments that contributed to its legacy. Chase Elliott's comeback victory in 2019, after crashing into a barrier, showcased the resilience and skill required to succeed on the Roval. The race also saw multiple overtime finishes, adding to the excitement and unpredictability.
The final Roval 400 in 2025 was won by Shane van Gisbergen, marking the end of an era for this unique race. Following the 2025 event, the Roval 400 was replaced by an oval-track race, the Bank of America 400, signaling a return to traditional racing formats at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Despite its relatively short history, the Roval 400 left a lasting impact on NASCAR, demonstrating the potential for innovation in race formats and the enduring appeal of road course racing.
