 during the 2026 Winter Heat Series.){kind=link}
Legends Nation reached out to INEX Racing Series regarding the recent announcement Legends would race on the ROVAL road course configuration at Charlotte Motor Speedway (NC) during the 2026 Winter Heat Series. While LN observed many supportive comments towards the change online, there were some current drivers, former drivers, and people in the sport, as well as some podcast media, that were less than thrilled, claiming Legend Cars are not safe at the speeds they would race at on the road course. This after a few drivers that tested the track felt racing there was safer and slower than other road course tracks raced this season.
Rather than speculate, LN went right to the source, asking several questions regarding the test, safety, and the decision to race on the ROVAL during the Winter Heat Series.
“INEX Racing Series and U.S. Legend Cars International would not have entertained the idea of testing on the ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway if there was any doubt about the safety of the drivers during potential competition,” said Josh Roller, Communications Manager for U.S. Legend Cars International and INEX. “Upon the completion of the test, top speeds were found to be slower than at other road courses Legend Cars compete at domestically, as well as internationally.”
Roller told Legends Nation there will be a gear rule, which was already shared on the BAND communications app to the drivers and teams.
“Even with the slower comparable speeds, INEX will be mandating a 3.58 gear rule as shared with the competitors on our communications group, Legends and Bandos at Charlotte on the BAND app, on Wednesday, December 17th,” explained Roller. “Additionally, INEX will manage some of the higher speed areas of the track with chicanes & tire packs to alter the racing line.”
During Joe Ryan Osborne’s interview with Legends Nation regarding the test his team did at the track, when he also got behind the wheel of a Legend Car on the ROVAL, he felt INEX Racing Series needs to add a “no bump rule” during the event. We did ask Roller from INEX if that is something they will consider.
“Currently, specific guidelines for Winter Heat are being crafted regarding on-track racing conduct and will be shared with competitors prior to opening practice.”
Legends Nation will be at the 2026 Winter Heat Series providing our signature “LN Event Coverage” for all six rounds over the two weekends. Coverage can be found here (click here).
For a video of the test provided by Joe Ryan Race Cars, as well as LN’s interview with Osborne, click here. An in-car video lap by Dillon Thomas can be watched here.
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