What Is 2013 Bank of America 500

Overview

The 2013 Bank of America 500 was a pivotal event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, serving as the third race in the 10-race Chase for the Championship. Held at the historic Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, the race attracted top drivers competing for playoff positioning under high-pressure conditions.

Originally scheduled for 334 laps, the event was shortened due to persistent rain showers that made track conditions unsafe. Despite the early end, the race delivered dramatic moments, including lead changes and strategic pit stops that defined the outcome. The event drew over 100,000 spectators and was broadcast nationally on ABC.

• Event date: The race took place on October 12, 2013, during the peak of the NASCAR playoffs, significantly influencing championship standings.
• Track location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, North Carolina, is a 1.5-mile quad-oval track known for high-speed racing and technical challenges.
• Winner: Jimmie Johnson claimed victory, driving the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking his eighth career win at the track.
• Laps led: Johnson led 168 laps, the most of any driver, showcasing his dominance before rain shortened the race to 248 laps.
• Rain impact: Persistent rainfall in the second half forced NASCAR to end the race early under red flag conditions, with results declared official after lap 248.

How It Works

The Bank of America 500 functions as a key playoff race in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup format, where drivers accumulate points to advance through elimination rounds. Each race in the Chase is critical, and performance directly affects a driver’s ability to progress to the next round.

• Term: The race is part of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, NASCAR’s playoff system introduced in 2004 and modified in 2011 to include elimination rounds.
• Format: The 2013 season used a 10-race playoff structure, with the Bank of America 500 as the third event in the second round, known as the Dollard Deal 500 segment.
• Points system: Drivers earn 40 points for a win, with additional bonuses for leading laps and winning stages, influencing playoff advancement.
• Track specifics: Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 1.5-mile asphalt oval features 24-degree banking in turns, requiring a balance of speed and tire management over long green-flag runs.
• Sponsorship: Bank of America has sponsored the event since 2003, replacing UAW as title sponsor, and contributes over $1 million annually to race promotion.
• Broadcast: The race aired on ABC with lead announcers Allen Bestwick and Dale Jarrett, reaching an estimated 5.2 million viewers during the broadcast window.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2013 Bank of America 500 with previous editions in terms of key metrics like winner, margin of victory, and broadcast reach.

This comparison highlights how weather disruptions in 2013 made it an outlier compared to prior years, which all completed the full distance. Johnson’s 2013 win was also notable as it marked his fourth victory in the event, tying a record for most wins by a single driver. The race’s shortened length affected point distributions, impacting playoff trajectories for several drivers, including Matt Kenseth and Clint Bowyer.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Bank of America 500 had significant implications for the NASCAR season and broader motorsports landscape. Its outcome reshaped the playoff field and underscored the unpredictability of weather in outdoor racing.

• Championship impact: Johnson’s win propelled him into the next Chase round, ultimately contributing to his 6th Sprint Cup title that season.
• Historical significance: The victory made Jimmie Johnson the first driver to win four Bank of America 500 races, cementing his legacy at Charlotte.
• Team performance: Hendrick Motorsports strengthened its reputation as a dominant team, with Johnson and teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. finishing in the top five.
• Weather protocols: The rain-shortened race prompted NASCAR to review red flag policies and consider expanded use of timing-and-scoreboard-based finishes.
• Economic impact: The event generated an estimated $28 million in local economic activity, including hotel stays, dining, and merchandise sales.
• Fan engagement: Over 100,000 tickets were sold, demonstrating the enduring popularity of NASCAR despite declining TV ratings in the early 2010s.

The 2013 Bank of America 500 remains a memorable chapter in NASCAR history, combining elite competition, weather drama, and playoff stakes. It exemplifies how single races can shape legacies and influence long-term strategies in professional motorsports.