Josef Newgarden - NTT Indycar Series (Photo: Joe Skibinski)
Charlotte ROVAL to run INDYCAR test this weekend
Shane Walters
New ROVAL layout will see test of NTT Indycar Series during NASCAR weekend
This weekend, NASCAR returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The oval is in use in addition to the road course, it’s the ROVAL.
The second running of NASCAR’s newest track will see some changes in the layout. Particularly, the backstretch chicane.
Last year, the backstretch chicane was more of a lifting point. This year, it will be a braking point. A higher angle turn into the chicane will force drivers to the brake pedal.
Previously, it was single file through this portion of the track. Drivers just did everything they could to avoid the tire barrier on the exit of the chicane. Passing through there, wasn’t an option.
This is to create a new braking zone and thus a new passing zone.
Indycar Roval test
Josef Newgarden won four of the seventeen NTT Indycar Series races in 2019. He led 490 laps and went on to claim the 2019 season championship.
Now, he’ll get a chance to experience a new track. Newgarden will wheel his No. 2 Shell-Pennzoil Dallara/Chevrolet Indy car around the ROVAL.
NASCAR Cup Series qualifying is scheduled for 4:45pm ET. Newgarden is scheduled to take his Indycar ride to the track shortly after.
Josef Newgarden tweeted, “Can’t wait! Super excited to get some laps on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL!”