The new NASCAR season is upon us, and with it comes 36 races of adrenaline-fueled action, drama, and inevitable controversy. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, especially after Bubba Wallace’s Duel 1 victory at Daytona and Chase Elliott’s preseason triumph at Bowman Gray Stadium.
But beyond the excitement of the upcoming season, the two NASCAR stars engaged in a playful yet intriguing debate—what would their dream Cup Series schedule look like? Which tracks deserve a spot, and which ones should get the axe?
Their answers may surprise you.
Bubba Wallace: “Get Rid of the Roval”
Bubba Wallace didn’t hesitate when it came to his first schedule change:
“Okay, I got mine. Remove the Roval and add Charlotte back. The oval.”
His stance makes sense given his track record on road courses. Wallace averages a 23.1 finish on road circuits, one of his worst track types. But despite this, the Roval is actually one of his better road courses, with two top-10 finishes (7th in 2022, 9th in 2024).
Still, the 23XI Racing driver prefers Charlotte’s classic oval layout, where the speed and intensity match his superspeedway strengths.
His response, however, left Chase Elliott shaking his head in disbelief.
“Are you serious? That’s as good as you could do?”
Elliott then added, “But yeah, I like the Roval.”
Chase Elliott: “Get Rid of Texas”
When it was Elliott’s turn to axe a track from the schedule, he dropped a surprising bombshell:
“I know of a real good one… but I don’t want you stealing it.”
After a brief pause, he finally revealed:
“I would say we take away Texas. I’m not a Texas fan. Just go ahead and get rid of it. Slayed that dragon, let’s go on down the road.”
His answer was shocking considering that his only Cup Series victory in 2024 came at Texas Motor Speedway—a win that secured his playoff spot. Despite that success, Elliott was quick to dismiss the track from his ideal schedule.
Why? Well, Texas has long been one of the most criticized tracks on the NASCAR circuit. Since its repave and reconfiguration, it has produced lackluster racing, and many fans and drivers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction. Elliott’s candid dislike just adds fuel to that fire.
What Does This Mean for NASCAR’s Schedule?
While this conversation was lighthearted, it does highlight ongoing debates about the Cup Series calendar. NASCAR constantly evaluates its schedule, and changes aren’t out of the question.
Wallace’s comments suggest that some drivers wouldn’t mind fewer road courses, while Elliott’s critique of Texas could push NASCAR to consider alternatives for the struggling track.
With the sanctioning body eyeing schedule adjustments for 2026, could Texas or the Roval be on the chopping block? Time will tell.
One thing’s for sure—drivers, teams, and fans all have their opinions. And in NASCAR, anything can happen.
