NASCAR makes major change to Charlotte ROVAL overnight after driver controversy

Following multiple drivers complaining about the turtles at Charlotte Roval, NASCAR has decided to make a change by replacing the turtles on turn 16.

The turtles in the frontstretch chicane were replaced by NASCAR with 2.25-inch humps. They had previously been four inches high. NASCAR also released a bulletin on the decision to adjust the turtles.

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“Following feedback from drivers and a review of data, NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports replaced the blue rumble strips on turn 16,” the bulletin read. “Last night, the blue rumble strips (4 inches) were replaced with red and white strips (2.25 inches). The new strips were painted blue, and the rules will not change.”

Since the change has been made, crews and drivers have been observed looking at the changes to the course ahead of the race. That included Michael McDowell and crew chief Travis Peterson who measured how far the car can go over the new turtles.

The major issue with the turtles that stood at four inches was the severity of the violence that came with going over them. Martin Truex Jr. is one of the drivers who explained their concerns with those turtles, explaining in plain terms what the issue is for everyone.

“Feels like you get a concussion every lap basically if you hit them,” Truex Jr. said. “So, yeah. Not much fun.”

Another veteran, Kyle Busch, agreed with Martin Truex Jr. and was happy that he voiced the issue.

“It’s not overblowing it. It’s 1000% correct. I don’t know when I’ll see the data, probably not until Monday but it fuc… my head hurts,” Busch said.

Clearly, NASCAR took the concerns brought forward by its drivers seriously. Now, they’ve made a fairly substantial change to the course in a short period of time to help alleviate those concerns. Still, there isn’t much time for drivers to adjust to the new turtles before the race at Charlotte Roval is set to start.

Sunday’s race is scheduled to begin on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course at 2:00 p.m. EST. Shane van Gisbergen won the pole ahead of the race. For their part, both Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. are outside the top-10 in pole position, with Truex Jr. all the way at 30th.

The defending winner of the Charlotte Roval is A. J. Allmendinger. For his part, he’s third in the pole position to start the race. So, there’s a good chance that he’s going to be able to defend his win in Charlotte this year.