NASCAR at Charlotte 2015: Start Time, Ticket Info, Lineup, TV Schedule and More – Bleacher Report

Now it’s on to the second round of NASCAR‘s Chase for the Sprint Cup at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina at the Bank of America 500.  

Through one round, the Chase has more than lived up to the hype with twist and turns akin to a road course, not a traditional oval. Jimmie Johnson, Paul Menard and others are out of the running after Kevin Harvick stole a major checkered flag last week in Dover, Delaware, to stay alive. 

This time around, Harvick and Co. will put on an even more emotional and competitive race with more eliminations on the way. Here’s a look at Saturday night’s must-see event.

 

Viewing Details

Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway

When: Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Live Stream: NBC Live Extra

Tickets: ScoreBig.com

 

Sprint Cup Standings

 

NASCAR at Charlotte Lineup

 

Drivers to Watch

Martin Truex Jr.

Right now, Martin Truex Jr. looks like one of the most impressive drivers in the Chase.

Truex and his team got hit with a penalty in Dover that sent them to the back of the field. Despite starting 43rd, Truex fought back to finish 11th—quite a strong performance considering he wound up in eighth place in New Hampshire the week prior.

He spoke about the incredible turnaround afterward, per NASCAR on NBC:

Martin Truex Jr.: ‘Did what we had to do’ at Dover (video) http://t.co/NJlTiqGPIp

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 4, 2015

After acting as one of the sport’s most dominant drivers early in the season, it’s hard to ignore Truex in Charlotte.

Earlier this year, Truex placed fifth at the same track, leading 131 of 400 laps. If he can find the same form after an epic recovery last week, he might wind up stealing the checkered flag.

 

Kyle Busch

When will the struggles for Kyle Busch end? 

Struggles as in Busch’s ability to actually seize a checkered flag at Charlotte. Despite 903 laps led, he has yet to win a Cup race at the track. He spoke with ESPN.com’s Bob Pockrass on the topic.

“It just seems like September, October, November is typically not my part of the season to have good luck,” Busch said. “Maybe the luck that we did have over the summer months is maybe paying off now.”

Speaking of the earlier months, Busch placed 11th at the track already this year. He’s also coming off a second-place finish in Dover with 19 laps led, so he’s the definition of a threat Saturday.

Perhaps the best story of the year, Busch might only further the notion if he can turn things around at Charlotte.

 

Kevin Harvick 

Harvick needed a win and got it last weekend after finishes of 21st or worse in his prior two events.

Of course, what would a must-win situation in which the driver actually wins be without some controversy? The chatter about Harvick intentionally damaging his car during the celebration commands headlines this week, although the driver himself said he didn’t realize it happened.

“You’re supposed to create commotion,” Harvick said, per Pockrass. “I don’t remember even actually hitting the wall. I remember the tires blowing out, but I don’t know if I actually even hit the wall.”

Controversy or not, there’s no question Harvick is right where he wants to be with an incredible amount of momentum. He only finished ninth at this track earlier in the season, but based on his performance in Dover, there’s no reason to think the 39-year-old won’t be right in contention late Saturday.

Keep a close eye on Harvick, suddenly the name under the spotlight again. This time it’s for being in contention instead of on the brink of elimination.

 

Stats and info courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.