Charlotte’s ROVAL is back in the spotlight as a playoff elimination race, with Larson, SVG, and Allmendinger all offering betting intrigue. Ms. V breaks down the odds, picks, and playoff picture for Sunday’s NASCAR showdown.
Bank of America ROVAL 400 Race Info
- Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
- Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: USA
What Did We Learn From Last Weekend?
Did y’all see that last lap pass? Where did Chase Elliott even come from?! He stole that win with only 0.069s to spare. Denny Hamlin almost had it, impressively, without power steering. He led 159 laps, won both stages, and nearly sealed his 60th career victory—until Elliott screamed past in the final turn.
The race had its fair share of chaos. A violent wreck in Turn 3 sent Zane Smith barrel-rolling before coming to rest on all fours. He walked away but was furious at John Hunter Nemechek for the contact. Austin Cindric wasn’t as lucky, getting caught in an 11-car pileup on lap 217—dropping him 48 points below the playoff cutoff, essentially forcing a must-win this week.
Where Are We Headed This Weekend?
Drivers head to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course—the ROVAL. You either love it or hate it. At 2.32 miles with 17 turns, it’s a tricky mix of speedway and road course, making it unpredictable and a perfect playoff wild card. Unlike Sonoma or Watkins Glen, the ROVAL’s hybrid layout keeps everyone guessing.
Odds and Value Picks
Here are three drivers to watch heading into Sunday’s Round of 12 elimination race:
- Winner Pick: Kyle Larson (+800)
Three wins this season (Homestead, Kansas, Bristol). His ROVAL average finish is 14.7, but he’s got two wins and 122 laps led. If Larson stays clean, he’s a legit threat for Victory Lane. - Mid-Range Pick: Shane van Gisbergen (-150)
Five road course wins this year, plus Chicago. Finished 7th here in his only ROVAL start. SVG is the road course dominator in 2025 and could spoil the playoff picture. - Dark Horse: AJ Allmendinger (+1600)
The best average finish (3.7) over the last 3 ROVAL races, with a win included. Average start of 5.3 and 84 laps led. If there’s a non-playoff spoiler, Allmendinger is it.
If van Gisbergen or Allmendinger win, it could shake up the playoff landscape and put extra pressure on those below the cutoff.
Playoff Standings After Kansas
- Chase Elliott
- Ryan Blaney
- Kyle Larson
- Denny Hamlin
- Christopher Bell
- William Byron
- Chase Briscoe
- Joey Logano
- Ross Chastain
- Bubba Wallace
- Tyler Reddick
- Austin Cindric
Playoff Watch: Cindric must win to survive. Reddick and Wallace aren’t safe either, with Chastain sitting 13 points below the line. Expect aggressive moves—especially with a Round of 8 spot on the line.
This weekend at the ROVAL promises fireworks. Road courses amplify mistakes and reward precision, making every point critical. Buckle up—this one could be for the books.
