The Charlotte Roval is not a race track that every driver enjoys. Brad Keselowski, for one, wants it removed from the Cup Series calendar. The RFK Racing co-owner would rather see the North Wilkesboro Speedway gain a points-paying race in its stead. However, a couple of drivers in the Hendrick Motorsports garage wouldn’t like this.
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The Cup Series has raced at the Roval seven times, and Hendrick Motorsports has won four, with Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott winning twice. The two are ahead of the pack for most laps led on the Roval. Larson has led 122 laps and Elliott 109 laps. So, why does Keselowski want to pull the rug out from under them?
Addressing the press at North Wilkesboro after winning the pole for Sunday’s All-Star Race, the veteran stated that he’d like to see the All-Star Race return to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. As of now, the oval track at Charlotte has only one race a year. Keselowski thinks the lack of a second date is a big miss for the sport.
However, a reporter challenged Brad’s stance by pointing out how the Roval has created some memorable moments in the past. The #6 RFK Racing driver, however, stuck to his guns rather assertively.
“Has it really? I look at the stands, and more fans come to the oval races and better ratings, too, than come to the Roval races. I thought that’s what we judge the sport by. I’m very strong about the [fact that] Roval has got to go,” responded Keselowski.
The RFK driver-owner seems to make a point that will resonate with many, and he is bound to find some support over this for more than one reason.
Firstly, the North Wilkesboro Speedway has found a lot of proponents as a points-racing track since entering the fold in 2023. Secondly, the conversation is about a road course versus a short track. Given the core nature of stock car racing, the short track will always have an edge.
For now, Keselowski‘s focus will be on winning the $1 million prize money on Sunday. He secured pole position by winning the time trials on Friday. He went on to solidify his chances by winning the first Heat Race on Saturday and led 74 of the total 75 laps.
The veteran, through his performance, also demonstrated the importance of racing on the superior top lane. It is by racing there that he was able to hold off attacks from the likes of Tyler Reddick, William Byron, and Ross Chastain.
Keselowski will now aim to take the lead early in the main event and hold it throughout.
