While some of the drivers would still be reeling under the effect of the chaos at Talladega Superspeedway, it is time for them to prepare for an elimination race. With this Sunday’s race being just the third NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course – or the ‘Charlotte Roval’ – further chaos would not come as a surprise.

Kurt Busch and Denny Hamlin are the only two drivers officially into the next round of the Playoffs. Kevin Harvick sits 68 points clear from the cutoff spot and only a terrible race could spoil his chances of advancing through to the next round.

That leaves nine drivers fighting for five more spots, with defending champion Kyle Busch 21 points outside the transfer spot.

When and where to watch the Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Roval?

The race begins at 2:30 pm ET and will be Live on NBC and the NBC Sports App. Fans can also catch the action on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About the track at the Charlotte Roval

The road course at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is 2.28 miles long and has 17 turns. The banking in the corners is anywhere between 2-24 degrees, and that on the straights is between 0-5 degrees.

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The first two stages will be run over 25 laps each. The final stage ends at lap 109. Only two playoff races have been run at the track in the past.

Weather forecast for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race at the Roval

The threat of rain looms large on Sunday with a 60% chance of rain around the start time. Aric Almirola recently said that rain could make things even more chaotic at an already challenging track.

While the start time prevents the conditions from being too cold, wet conditions coupled with an elimination race certainly makes things interesting.

Are fans allowed for the NASCAR Cup Series race?

Fans will attend the race in a limited capacity, the approximate number of fans allowed is around 6500.

Which tires will be used for the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race?

The road course will use Goodyear Eagle Road Course Radials tires for the race. “In deference to the oval, the right-front tire position will have the highest pressure recommendation to handle the loads on those sections,” Goodyear’s Director of Racing, Greg Stucker said.

The starting line-up for the race

Denny Hamlin starts on pole position after his win at Talladega last weekend. Joining him on the front row is road-course specialist Chase Elliott. Brad Keselowski, Kevin Harvick, and Alex Bowman complete the Top-5.

Kyle Busch, who comes into the race desperately needing a good run, starts in the 9th position right behind Joey Logano.

What happened in the last playoff race at the Charlotte Roval?

Chase Elliott won one of the most memorable races of his career in the 2019 playoff race at the Roval. He started in 19th place and even crashed during the race, before then racing up the field in dominant style.

His win at the Daytona Road course a couple of months ago also holds him in good stead. Ryan Blaney won the 2018 race, in the first of only two NASCAR Cup Series races at the track.

With so much at stake for all the drivers and the uncertainty of the Roval, many surprises can be expected from the elimination race. After the 109 laps are run, only eight drivers will remain in the title run. Who will it be?

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