Why is the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval being replaced on the NASCAR schedule?

The Roval is being replaced by the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval for the 2026 season due to the Next Gen car's performance and fan preferences favoring traditional oval racing.

When will the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval race take place in the 2026 NASCAR Chase for the Cup?

The Charlotte Motor Speedway oval race is scheduled as the sixth event in the 10-race "Chase for the Cup" championship.

How did the Next Gen car perform on the Roval compared to the oval?

The Next Gen car's races on the Roval rarely scored above 59% positive, while its full-distance races on the oval have consistently scored over 90% positive.

Home / Sports / NASCAR Oval Returns: Roval Out in 2026 Schedule Shakeup

NASCAR Oval Returns: Roval Out in 2026 Schedule Shakeup

27 Jan

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Summary

Charlotte Motor Speedway oval replaces Roval on 2026 NASCAR schedule.
Next Gen car's performance led to the Roval removal decision.
Fans and drivers favored the oval over the Roval for racing quality.

NASCAR Oval Returns: Roval Out in 2026 Schedule Shakeup

NASCAR is set to bring back the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval, replacing the "Roval" road course for the 2026 season. This strategic shift, reported recently, marks a return to more traditional racing formats. The change aligns with broader adjustments across NASCAR, including increased horsepower for 20 races this season and a revamped playoff system, now dubbed the "Chase for the Cup."

The decision to remove the Roval is largely attributed to the performance of the Next Gen car. While past Roval races consistently received high marks, races with the Next Gen car on the Roval in 2022 and later rarely scored above 59% positive, in contrast to oval races which have exceeded 90%. This stark performance difference, coupled with a significant fan preference for the oval, has driven the schedule alteration.

The inclusion of the Charlotte oval is particularly impactful for the "Chase for the Cup." Scheduled as Race No. 6 of the 10-race championship, it is expected to be a critical event in narrowing the field of contenders. This move also reinforces an "old-school" feel for the championship, with five intermediate tracks in the final ten races, reminiscent of earlier versions of the playoff format.