Frustration Grows as NASCAR Schedule Stays Committed to the ROVAL

As the NASCAR Playoffs head into October, the racing spotlight turns once again to Charlotte. For decades, the fall race at Charlotte Motor Speedway symbolized the grit of the postseason on the oval, often producing season-defining moments under the lights. But in 2018, the track flipped tradition on its head by converting the race into a road course hybrid, the now-famous ROVAL.

At first, the move was billed as bold innovation: a way to mix up the playoff grind and keep fans on their toes. Yet years later, the experiment has turned into an annual point of contention, with debates swirling every time NASCAR releases its schedule.

Why does the ROVAL exist, and where does it stand?

The ROVAL wasn’t brought into the playoffs by accident, nor without significant reasoning. NASCAR’s push f