NASCAR announced a significant change to its 2026 Cup Series schedule by reinstating the classic 1.5-mile oval track at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the fall race. This decision marks the return to the traditional oval for the first time since 2017, replacing the Charlotte ROVAL layout that had been used from 2018 through 2025. Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith confirmed the update during an appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, explaining that the reintroduction of the oval coincides with NASCAR’s move back to the Chase playoff format.
This change will inevitably affect Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen, a driver known for excelling on the Charlotte ROVAL. The shift away from the road course-style layout could present new challenges for the Kiwi driver in the upcoming season.
Fan Reactions Highlight Mixed Feelings About the Oval’s Return
The official NASCAR Twitter account shared the news, stating that all three NASCAR national series will compete on the 1.5-mile oval in the fall. Fans quickly responded, with many expressing sympathy for van Gisbergen’s situation. One user remarked,
“Good, one less SVG road course win,”
while another noted, “Everybody liked that. (Except SVG).” Supporters acknowledged the challenge, with some tweeting,
“Shane van Gisbergen disapproves of this,”
and others calling the decision “a bad move” that diminishes the uniqueness of the fall race.
Several followers praised the action-packed nature of the ROVAL, lamenting the return to a more traditional oval format. Comments included,
“The ROVAL has way more action than another boring 1.5 mile,”
underscoring the divided opinions among fans regarding the schedule shift.
Van Gisbergen’s Recent Success at the Charlotte ROVAL
Shane van Gisbergen was the winner of the 2025 Cup Series race at the Charlotte ROVAL, showcasing his skill on the challenging road course. Starting the race in second position behind Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing, van Gisbergen led 57 laps and ultimately finished 15.160 seconds ahead of Kyle Larson. His dominant performance solidified his reputation as a strong contender on road courses, reinforcing why the switch back to the oval layout may complicate his strategy for the fall race in 2026.
Trackhouse Racing Secures New Sponsorship Deals Ahead of 2026
In preparation for the 2026 season, Trackhouse Racing announced an extended partnership with energy drink giant Red Bull, which will back both Shane van Gisbergen and upcoming driver Connor Zilisch. The alliance started early in the 2025 season and will continue, with new car liveries featuring a dark matte blue paint scheme and the iconic Red Bull mascot prominently displayed on the doors, while the hood highlights the energy drink’s logo.
Zilisch will debut the updated Red Bull-sponsored car at Daytona’s iconic 500 race, whereas van Gisbergen is set to drive the #97 Chevy Camaro ZL1 at EchoPark Speedway. Reflecting on the significance of the car number, van Gisbergen shared,
“It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car. It’s a number that means so much to my family and me, so to see it on my car for the first time was surreal. I love the red flash designs on both sides of the car. It’s going to look epic on the track.” ?Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Van Gisbergen’s Impactful Rookie Year and International Success
Van Gisbergen’s rookie Cup Series season in 2025 was marked by remarkable achievements. He became the first driver since Jeff Gordon to win three consecutive road course races starting from pole positions. Additionally, he claimed victory at NASCAR’s inaugural international race at Mexico’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, further establishing his versatility and talent across diverse tracks.
With the return to the traditional oval at Charlotte, van Gisbergen will have to adapt his approach to maintain his competitive edge in the 2026 Cup Series season.
NEWS: In the fall, we return to @CLTMotorSpdwy's roots!
Speedway Motorsports announces all three NASCAR national series will race on the 1.5-mile oval. pic.twitter.com/MwGuB3LkMk
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 3, 2026
