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Charlotte Roval will challenge drivers with layout

Charlottetest

Kyle Larson and Trevor Bayne take part in a Goodyear tire test May 1, 2018, at the Charlotte Roval. Photo: Dustin Long

CONCORD, N.C. — Paul Menard said that Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval will be one of survival when Cup teams compete there in the playoffs.

Menard was among four drivers taking part in a Goodyear tire test Tuesday that had been rescheduled because of inclement weather in March. He was joined by Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch and Trevor Bayne. Menard was the only driver who met with the media during a lunch break Tuesday.

Menard said the course will be challenging.
“By yourself and trying to make lap times, it’s very hairy,’’ Menard said. “I wrecked (in March), both Kyles wrecked. There’s no room for error. You try to push a little harder, you’re going to get yourself in trouble. You get 39 other guys out there, it’s gong to escalate it. It’s going to be survival for sure.’’

What makes the track so hairy?

“Just lack of grip for sure,’’ he said. “It’s not horrible. Sonoma has a lack of grip. There’s a lack of grip, but there’s also walls around you (at Charlotte). There’s no escape routes, where at Sonoma, you can go off on the dirt and come back on. Here there are just walls all around. It makes it hard to find the limit. If you get over it, it’s really hard to bring back it in without tearing something up. I guess that’s the tough part about it.’’

Cup teams have extra track time to prepare for the event. Cup teams will be divided into two groups to test on the roval in July. Some teams will test July 10 and other teams will test July 17.

The race on the Roval will be Sept. 30 and air on NBC. It will be the cutoff race for the first round, trimming the list of title contenders from 16 to 12.

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