CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY (ROVAL) - CONCORD NC
In another first Charlotte Motor Speedway was they held the first Cup race on a oval converted into a road course. Thus the name "Roval". The track wanted to add something new for the fans; and they made renovations and made it so that the drivers had the challenges of a road course; all while being able to see the entire track. The drivers race on all of the oval track except one small part near the end of pit road. At that point they turn left and go and run the infield portion of the track. The first race was ran in September 2018. Kurt Busch was the first pole winner. Martin Truex was leading late in the race with Jimmie Johnson very close behind. On the final lap; going into the final turn Johnson made a bonzi move to try and get inside; but he lost control
and as he spun, he took out Truex. Ryan Blaney came through to take the win before either driver could get going. The following year Chase Elliott led and looked strong. While leading, on a lap 66 restart, he completely blew the first turn and crashed into the tires guarding the barrier. Luckily when he impacted the tires were assembled four sets deep. So, he just nosed into them; and they bounced him right back out. They yellow flew when he wrecked but he received very little damage. He restarted last but was so strong he was able to work his way back through the field and retake the lead with six laps to go and get the win. Elliott repeated the win the following year; without the drama of the crash. This propelled him forward in the Chase on his way to claim the 2020 Championship. Elliott's team mate Kyle Larson got the win in 2021 on his way to the Championship.
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