By Roy J. Akers- www.skyviewsports.net
The Charlotte Roval is the final race in the Round of 12 where four drivers will see their 2024 playoffs end and eight move on. William Byron has already clinched his position in the round of eight and it seems likely everyone in the top six is safe. The vulnerable drivers on the cut line are Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott. They both have a 12 or 13 point lead over Joey Logano and Daniel Suarez. Things can change fast if you crash out or have a DNF early and a win by any of the top 12 drivers will give them a golden ticket to the Round of Eight.
They Said It -1 William Byron
YOU’RE LOCKED INTO THE NEXT ROUND. IN THIS RACE, AT THIS TRACK, WHERE IT’S EXPECTED TO BE CHAOTIC ON SUNDAY, HOW GOOD OF A FEELING IS IT THAT WHATEVER HAPPENS ON SUNDAY, IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS, IT WON’T EFFECT YOU?
“Yeah, it’s great.. it’s awesome. It changes the whole mood and vibe for the weekend, for sure. I mean, I haven’t really thought a lot about it, in terms of just trying to do the normal preparation and be ready for the race and try to go win. But yeah, there aren’t consequences for us, so that’s a great feeling and I feel like it’s one that we can take advantage of.”
They Said It -2 Erik Jones
How do you get through a season like this?
“It is up and down. Some years you just can’t do anything right, and it has been one of those seasons, but probably, by far, one of the most trying I’ve had in most of my racing career, and for sure in the Cup Series, so yeah, that is tough. I guess being through it a bit has helped some. It is not like this is the first down year that we’ve had, so you just have to take it for what it is. Fortunately, I’ve been at it for a while now, I feel like I’m a pretty level head guy in general, which probably helps out, but setting realistic goals, taking the days for what they are worth is the biggest thing for me, and hopefully, moving on. “
They Said It- 3 Denny Hamlin
Does it tell you anything about the Playoff schedule with the top-eight guys in points also being the current top-eight?
“Not really. Certainly, the work you put into the regular season definitely helps with that. You get to have a jump start when the round starts. Those who have the most regular season points, or bonus points, are going to always reset back to the top. If it was all zero, where would it all be? I think that shows the importance of the regular season, and certainly if you can build a buffer for bad days, that really pays off in rounds like these, but we haven’t seen this round fully play out quite yet.”
They Said It Bonus- William Byron
WE HAD A ROUND WITH NON-PLAYOFF DRIVERS WINNING. ARE YOU SURPRISED BY THAT, AND DO YOU THINK THAT TREND COULD CONTINUE HERE?
“Well I mean, yeah – I think SVG is in the race and there’s some really good guys. You can just be more aggressive if you’re not in the playoffs, typically. If you’re in the playoffs, you’re counting points and you’re trying to get yourself in position. That all changes in the next round, slightly. But this round for sure, you’re just trying to get through these events. For us, it doesn’t matter. I think we’ll be in the group that’s like the non-playoff guys.. it’s more aggressive. So it’ll be nice to do that.”
Fantasy Picks
So far, in the round of 12, two non playoff drivers have won the races and that means drivers who could have a bye into the round of eight have been stymied.
So, if you have a fantasy team, here is where to go. All picks are influenced by driveraverages.com.
Alex Bowman
Its strange mentioning Bowman. For me, he has been the surprise driver of the playoffs. Bet few people outside of his hard core fans thought he is a near shoe in to make the round of eight. He sits eighth in playoff points and should make it. He has five top 20 finishes in five races and two top five finishes with a high finish of second. He is a solid bet to have a good finish at the Roval.
Chase Elliott
Elliott needs a solid finish at Charlotte. He currently holds the final position to move onto the Round of eight but is only 13 points in front of Joey Logano. A win by Elliott would settle this argument. Elliott’s Roval record is the best in NASCAR with two sins, two more finishes in the top ten and never finishing out of the top 20. Elliott should be on your fantasy roster.
Ryan Blaney
Blaney sits 12 points in front of Elliott who resides on the playoff bubble to move onto the round of eight and is one point behind Alex Bowman for the 5th position. Blaney cannot rest easy at Charlotte. He needs a quality finish and is only 13 points from being out of moving on. He has one win dating to 2018 and has a string of top finishes. If you have the spot, Blaney should be in your lineup.
Christopher Bell
Bell has participated in only four Roval races and has won the race once, has two top ten finishes and two more in the top 20. Bell is second in points in the round of 12 trailing only William Byron. Bell needs a finish in the top-ten and high Stage points in either or both stanzas will see him move on.
Kyle Larson
Larson is an enigma at the Roval. He has won the race and has two more finishes in the top 20 in five races. He has finished all five race appearances in the fall race, but has two poor finishes. Never bet against Larson.
Shane van Gisbergen
SVG loves ovals and ovals love him. After winning the Chicago Street Race in his first NASCAR competition ever, he nearly won Watkins Glen in September but Chris Buescher outfoxed him. SVG has NO problems with Grand Prix style racing and he has a first and second on courses the first time he has seen either course. He is good enough for a bench spot and you will probably put him in the lineup before the end of the second stage.
No Chance- Daniel Suarez
Suarez is not listed below because his finishes are two low at the Roval to show up unless you look in 35th place. In six races dating to 2018, Suarez has a lone top-20 finish.
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Roy Akers is a reporter at www.skyviewsports.net and covers several sports.