12 reasons to watch the Bank of America 500

By Allie Davison | Published: October 4, 2017 13

Chris Trotman | NASCAR via Getty Images

1 of 13

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

Welcome to the 2017 NASCAR Playoffs, Charlotte. Twelve drivers. Eight spots on the line to advance. It all begins in the Queen City.

Here are 12 reasons why you should tune in to NBC at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday to watch the Bank of America 500 as the Round of 12 kicks off.

2 of 13

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Reason 1: Kyle Busch has never won a points race at Charlotte, and it's the only stop on the circuit in which he hasn't won. However, he is the hottest driver in the playoffs with back-to-back victories (New Hampshire, Dover). The No. 18 team doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Can he make it three in a row and land an elusive Charlotte win?

3 of 13

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Reason 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. only has seven races left in his final Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. The hometown hero has never won a points race at Charlotte (much like Kyle Busch).

The No. 88 team has been finding speed and climbing up the leaderboard. Can Junior give the Charlotte fans a race to remember?

4 of 13

Mike Comer | Getty Images

Reason 3: Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of four remaining 1.5-mile tracks in the NASCAR Playoffs -- and the season ends at one, too, in Homestead. Martin Truex Jr. captured the first 1.5-mile track in Chicago. Charlotte could prove who is best suited for a deep playoff run.

5 of 13

Jared C. Tilton | NASCAR via Getty Images

Reason 4: Jimmie Johnson turned into 'Seven-Time' last year. His first victory of the 2016 NASCAR Playoffs came at Charlotte and it jump-started his championship campaign. The No. 48 team seems to be finding its groove right now. Will this year turn Johnson into 'Eight-Time,' and will he win for the first time since June?

6 of 13

Chris Trotman | NASCAR via Getty Images

Reason 5: Like Jimmie Johnson's 2016 championship run, Kevin Harvick's 2014 title run included a win at Charlotte. In this format, the eventual champion has won the Charlotte race in two of three years. Will that trend continue in 2017?

7 of 13

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Reason 6: Chase Elliott came THIS close to clinching his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory before Kyle Busch stole the show at Dover. The No. 24 team now has two runner-up finishes in the playoffs. With seven races left, Elliott looks poised to find his way to Victory Lane -- if he's able to put aside his own personal disappointment.

8 of 13

Jerry Markland | Getty Images

Reason 7: We all love a good underdog story. We all love a good spoiler story, too. Jamie McMurray has two wins at Charlotte and quietly snuck into the Round of 12.

Between McMurray, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ryan Blaney, one may be primed to pull off an upset. But who?

9 of 13

Todd Warshaw | NASCAR via Getty Images

Reason 8: In 2014, tensions bubbled over between Brad Keselowski and Matt Kenseth following the Bank of America 500. The two exchanged words -- and some shoves.

Keselowski and Kenseth are both in the playoff hunt, once again, and every moment matters. Will we see emotions fly on Sunday, between any drivers?

10 of 13

Streeter Lecka | Getty Images

Reason 9: Sunday's race at Charlotte may be the final Bank of America 500 on the 1.5-mile oval. In 2018, the playoff race will be run on the Charlotte road course.

11 of 13

Drew Hallowell | Getty Images

Reason 10: Martin Truex Jr. entered the postseason with as many playoff points as one could want. He started off strong with a victory at Chicagoland, and he always seems to be in contention at Charlotte, too.

Some have called New Hampshire and Dover 'slumps' for the No. 78 car. Can he return to Charlotte's Victory Lane for another celebration?

12 of 13

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Reason 11: Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson bumped and shoved their way to the start/finish line in last year's Showdown at Charlotte. The two young drivers aren't afraid of a little competition.

Could we see another duel between the Nos. 42 and 24?

13 of 13

Todd Warshaw | NASCAR via Getty Images

Reason 12: Let there be daylight, folks. Sunday marks the return of the Bank of America 500 to an afternoon start instead of racing under the lights.

Will the sunshine and weather play a factor in the Round of 12 competition?