Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Denny Hamlin, Todd Gilliland express confusion over Roval track limits

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Oct 13, 2024 2:24 PM ET

There might be more controversy around today’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Charlotte Roval. Denny Hamlin showed as much. In response to Todd Gilliland on X/Twitter, the two drivers revealed how much clarity there is on things like track limits.

And that would be, not much clarity at all. We have two different drivers expressing two different interpretations of how NASCAR defines the track limits at the Roval. That can’t be good for the race this afternoon.

The rule states: “You will be judged as missing or shortcutting any turn previously describe[d] when all four tires are on the non-track side of the red and white rumble strips that define the apex of the turns.”

To which Todd Gilliland said in response to a photo of Shane van Gisbergen’s Xfinity Series qualifying run: “I believe you can cut all the way until you’d see blue on the drivers side of the car. So he’s got another 6 inches.”

I believe you can cut all the way untill you’d see blue on the drivers side of the car. So he’s got another 6 inches
— Todd Gilliland (@ToddGilliland_) October 13, 2024

Then Denny Hamlin responded. This is where the confusion sets in. Two drivers have two different takes on the limits. While this is concerning, there is still a drivers’ meeting today. Hopefully, teams get answers then.

“Is that right?” Hamlin wrote. “I read it as [you] must have 2 tires on asphalt.”

Is that right? I read it as must have 2 tires on asphalt.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) October 13, 2024

So, which is it?

In a video shown to teams and drivers, NASCAR did have an example of what missing the apex looks like. However, they used an extreme example – meaning, it wasn’t as subtle as the SVG photo above. Instead, it shows a car going more or less straight through a turn after ramping off the rumble strips.

Earlier today, NASCAR swapped out the four-inch rumble strips in the front stretch chicane. Drivers complained that it was like getting a concussion, reminiscent of the old Watkins Glen bus stop. So, there are now 2.5-inch strips there, which will only encourage drivers to go over them more.

We have already had a change today. Now, drivers are going into the race with at least two different opinions on how the track limits are defined. Is Denny Hamlin right? Or is Todd Gilliland?

If Gilliland is right, then Denny is giving up speed by not cutting the corners harder. If Denny is right, then Gilliland will be penalized. So, which side are you on? Will this cause issues during the race?

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: