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Drivers Sound Off On Charlotte ROVAL

As Lawson Aschenbach to the Charlotte ROVAL, how did other drivers perceive this track? (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)

As Lawson Aschenbach took to the Charlotte ROVAL, how did other drivers perceive this track? (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)

The drivers took to the media center on Friday afternoon to talk about the new Charlotte ROVAL. Of course, various drivers expressed excitement, enthusiasm, and nervousness. Without further ado, here is what they had to say.

The normally candid Clint Bowyer stayed on track about the Charlotte ROVAL. (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)

The normally candid Clint Bowyer stayed on track about the Charlotte ROVAL. (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)

Clint Bowyer

“This is just what the sport needs. Fans are feeling the energy right now, This was a good gauge for me. Yesterday (Thursday), we had a fan day at the shop at Stewart-Haas Racing. The turnout was phenomenal. It really took me back. They (the fans) are excited to see it, and that has me excited.

Where we are in the Playoffs, we need an opportunity. And this is exactly what this track is. I’m going to enjoy this weekend. The opportunity to win is there. We have to go out and take it.”

"Young" Ryan Blaney hopes for a clean day at the ROVAL. (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)

“Young” Ryan Blaney hopes for a clean day at the ROVAL. (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)

Ryan Blaney

(Prior to qualifying) “Qualifying is important everywhere, but more so here. We just need to try and stay out front as much as we can and stay out of potential danger.”

(After qualifying 9th) “With our points position, we have to have a really good day.”

It's certain that Joey Logano is not reading "A Tale of Two Cities." (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)

It’s certain that Joey Logano is not reading “A Tale of Two Cities.” (Photo Credit: Josh Jones/TPF)

Joey Logano

“There will be a driver who gets crashed out who will be angry at the infield care center. They will end up mouthing off at the ROVAL. But we have to remember, it’s the same thing at superspeedways. You talk to the guy who wins the race and he says superspeedway racing is great. Then the guys who crashed say it stinks. It just depends on what’s going on.

When I started, I was like ‘turns 3 and 4, you know by the motor home lot, where we use to park the buses.’ I think everyone will have their own lingo. But for now, it’s NASCAR 1 and 2. Then NASCAR 3 and 4 for the big track.”

Aric Almirola notes how the cars, not the drivers, may take a beating from this challenging track.

Aric Almirola notes how the cars, not the drivers, may take a beating from this challenging track.

Aric Almirola

“I’m not too concerned about the physical toll on us. We ran a lot of laps at the test. So, I feel like from an endurance standpoint, we should have pretty good idea.

The cars are going to take a beating. You look at most of the cars at the test and the noses are beat up. The rockers and the side skirts are flared out from running over the curbs.”

Ryan Reed respected the challenge of the Charlotte ROVAL.

Ryan Reed respected the challenge of the Charlotte ROVAL.

Ryan Reed

“Right now, my mindset is to survive. I don’t know what to expect. Luckily, this isn’t a cutoff race (like it is for Cup). We have to be competitive and run inside the top-10 for points to move on to to the next round. This will be one of the toughest races we’ve ever had in the series.”

Ty Majeski hoped for a better day with his No. 60 team.

Ty Majeski hoped for a better day with his No. 60 team.

Ty Majeski

“Judging by the test, I think it’s going to be a matter of survival, and I think everyone is going in with that mentality. It’s been a horrible season for the No. 60. If it’s going to be a survival race, like everyone say, hopefully we’ll wind up in the top-10.”

ROVAL Details:

  • The Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval is 2.28-mile road course oval with 17 turns and a 35 foot elevation change.
  • It took a total of 35,380 work hours to complete this project in 2018.
  • The speedway installed eight new wheel caution lights in the infield.
  • 30,000 tires assist the barrier packs for the ROVAL.
  • 4,000 feet of custom-made canopies for tire packs were also used.
  • 5,400 gallons of paint were used to transform the track into the ROVAL with a patriotic red, white and blue paint scheme for America’s Home for Racing.
  • Road Grip, a British track surface painting company known for painting Formula 1 circuits and Mycroft signs, have combined resources along with the Charlotte Motor Speedways operations crew to transform the entire look of the ROVAL.
  • Pioneer Athletics temporary paint, also used at the Super Bowl, was used by RoadGrip and Mycroft Signs for on-track accents, and the new synthetic turf surfaces.
  • 112,000 square feet of new synthetic field turf adorn the frontstretch.
  • 1,500 linear feet of additional wheel fence and 7500 linear feet of steel cable has been added.
  • New infield fan bridge measures at 85 feet long and nine feet wide with a clearance of 13’6″.
  • Operations staff from SMI sister tracks in Bristol, Kentucky, Sonoma, Atlanta and New Hampshire have been on the grounds during entire project.
  • Repair crews from Sonoma are also on the grounds for on-track repair.

If it races, I'll write about it, talk about it or shoot it with a camera. I began pursuing a career in motorsports journalism immediately after attending college at Kent State University. I have hosted multiple Motorsports talk shows, worked in Country Music radio, and now i spend every day on the air in the morning with 1300 and 100.9 WMVO and in the afternoons watching the roadways around Central Ohio for 93.7 WQIO. The excitement and the fans make everything I put out there worth while, it's been an exciting 15 years having covered everything from the Daytona 500 to the Rolex 24 and you can find me at pretty much any event run at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. What I like to bring is a look behind the scenes, a look at what and who makes the sport grow. From the guy that welds pieces back at the shop to the host in the tv booth. Everyone has a story and I like to tell it. My main focus here at TPF is looking at the men and women behind the microphone and cameras. My life long goal is to become a member of MRN or PRN Radio and bring the races to you. I hope that what I share now is enjoyable and gives you a unique look in to the world of motorsports. See you at a track soon

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