Though NASCAR is synonymous with high-speed battles on iconic ovals, road course racing has long been a thrilling and integral part of the sport. From the winding turns of Riverside International Raceway to the groundbreaking ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR’s road course legacy is rich with unforgettable moments.
As the Cup Series heads to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, there’s no better time to reflect on the evolution of road racing in NASCAR—and look ahead to one of the most action-packed events of the year.
The Modern Era: From Riverside to The Glen
Long before NASCAR’s road course expansion, fans witnessed thrilling battles at legendary tracks like Riverside International Raceway. Throughout the 1980s, Riverside’s 2.62-mile layout challenged drivers with its high-speed straights and tight corners, producing dramatic finishes and showcasing the versatility of NASCAR’s greatest talents.
When Riverside closed in 1989, road course racing remained alive and well, thanks to Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International. These two venues became the gold standard for stock car racing on road courses, delivering iconic moments like Dale Earnhardt’s only road course win at Sonoma in 1995 and Marcos Ambrose’s iconic battle at the Glen with Brad Keselowski in 2012. The unpredictable nature of road course racing, combined with aggressive driving and exciting pit strategy, cemented these tracks as fan favorites.
The ROVALution: A Game-Changer at Charlotte Motor Speedway
In 2018, Charlotte Motor Speedway made history by introducing the ROVAL—a revolutionary blend of the track’s traditional oval and a challenging infield road course. The Bank of America ROVAL 400 quickly became a must-see event on the NASCAR calendar, offering a unique test of skill where drivers navigate tight chicanes, high-speed banked turns, and technical corners. The ROVAL’s debut saw chaos, late-race drama, and thrilling finishes, proving that road course racing had a permanent place in NASCAR’s championship fight.
A New Era: The Expansion of Road Course Racing
With the growing excitement around road courses, NASCAR expanded its schedule to include some of the most dynamic tracks in motorsports. Circuit of the Americas (COTA), host of this weekend’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, brought NASCAR to the heart of Texas on a world-class Formula One circuit. The sport also broke new ground with the Chicago Street Course, offering a completely unique urban racing experience through Grant Park. Most recently, the NASCAR Cup Series added Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico, continuing its international growth and bringing the excitement of stock car racing to a passionate global audience.
Experience the Best in Road Racing at the Bank of America ROVAL 400
As road course racing continues to leave its mark in the history of NASCAR, there’s no better place to witness the action than the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This October, NASCAR’s best will take on the one-of-a-kind ROVAL to determine who will be the final eight drivers battling for the championship. Don’t miss your chance to see road course racing at its finest— secure your tickets now!