Brad Keselowski slams Charlotte Roval, calls for All-Star Race to return to Charlotte

Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race from 1987 until 2019. Ahead of this weekend’s iteration at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the third time it’ll be the cathedral, Brad Keselowski believes it’s time to return the sport returns to their roots.

It’s nothing against North Wilkesboro. Keselowski actually believes a points-paying race should be added to the schedule at the track. The former champion’s issue has more to do with the Charlotte Roval, evidently.

He thinks it should go by the wayside, and sooner rather than later. Charlotte should host the All-Star Race, in addition to the Coca-Cola 600, according to Keselowski.

“I think this needs to be a points racetrack,” Keselowski said, regarding North Wilkesboro, via Matt Weaver of the Sporting News. “I’d like to see the All-Star Race most likely return to Charlotte. That’s my personal opinion. I think the Charlotte racetrack, particularly since it only has one race on the oval, I think that’s a miss for our sport.

“It’s a great racetrack and puts on some of the best racing, so it would make sense to me if we were to revert back to that and make this a season race, and probably get rid of a race like the Roval or something like that.”

Additionally, Keselowski believes the stands and the ratings speaks for itself when it comes to the Roval. He’s not hiding his true feelings, hoping the sport’s decision-makers come to their senses in the near future.

“I look at the stands and there are more fans that come to the oval race and better ratings too, than come to the Roval races. I thought that’s what we judge the sport by,” Keselowski added. “… I’m very strong about the Roval has got to go.”

Alas, the last All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was back in 2019, when Kyle Larson was victorious. Bristol Motor Speedway hosted the event in 2020, and then Texas Motor Speedway took the baton in 2021 and 2022. Since, North Wilkesboro has been the site of the event.

It looks like Keselowski wants to kill two birds with one stone. Returning the All-Star Race to Charlotte would give the regular track configuration their second date, and then North Wilkesboro could replace the Roval. The 41-year old thinks the bloom is off the rose when it comes to the hybrid track.

Time will tell if Brad Keselowski gets his wish. It looks like it’s something he feels strongly about, but whether there’s enough support in NASCAR remains to be seen. The Cup Series will return to the Roval on Oct. 5, and the Michigan native might not be in the best mood that afternoon.