What Is 2015 Bank of America 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Bank of America 500 was a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held on October 17, 2015, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Jimmie Johnson won the race, marking his 76th career victory and fourth of the 2015 season.

Key Facts

The 2015 Bank of America 500 took place on October 17, 2015
It was the 29th race of the 36-race 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season
Jimmie Johnson won the race, driving the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a 1.5-mile quad-oval track with 24-degree banking
The race covered 334 laps, totaling 501 miles (806 km)

Overview

The 2015 Bank of America 500 was a pivotal event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series playoffs, serving as the second race in the 10-race Chase for the Championship. Held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the event attracted top drivers competing for crucial playoff points and advancement to the next round.

This race marked a significant milestone in NASCAR history due to its dramatic finish and the performance of veteran driver Jimmie Johnson. The event also featured multiple cautions, intense pit strategy, and a final lap crash that eliminated several title contenders.

Jimmie Johnson won the race, becoming the first driver in NASCAR history to win four times at Charlotte in the postseason format.
The race lasted 3 hours, 57 minutes, with an average speed of 126.477 mph, reflecting frequent caution periods and pit stops.
There were 12 caution flags for a total of 61 laps, indicating high contact and strategic pit cycling throughout the event.
Brad Keselowski led the most laps with 117, but finished 12th after a late-race incident damaged his car.
The race was broadcast nationally on ESPN, drawing an estimated 4.2 million viewers during peak hours.

How It Works

The Bank of America 500 is part of NASCAR’s playoff structure known as the Chase for the Sprint Cup, designed to narrow the field of title contenders through elimination rounds. The 2015 format divided the season into three elimination rounds before the final championship race.

Chase Format: The 2015 season featured 16 drivers eligible for the Chase, reduced to 12 after the first round.
Points System: Drivers earned 40 points for a win, with 10 bonus points for leading the most laps.
Elimination Rounds: The Bank of America 500 was in the Contender Round, eliminating four drivers after three races.
Charlotte Motor Speedway: The track is 1.5 miles long with 24-degree banking in turns, favoring high-speed aerodynamics.
Race Distance: The 2015 Bank of America 500 consisted of 334 laps, covering 501 miles at full distance.
Winner's Share: Jimmie Johnson earned $192,975 from the total purse of $6.7 million for the event.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Bank of America 500 compares to similar events in NASCAR history:

Year	Winner	Track Length	Caution Flags	Viewers (Millions)
2015	Jimmie Johnson	1.5 miles	12	4.2
2014	Brad Keselowski	1.5 miles	9	4.0
2013	Kyle Larson (Xfinity)	1.5 miles	10	3.8
2012	Denny Hamlin	1.5 miles	11	3.9
2011	Kyle Busch	1.5 miles	8	3.7

The table shows consistent viewership and track conditions across years, though the 2015 race had the highest number of cautions in the five-year span. This reflects increasing competitiveness and closer racing during the Chase rounds. Jimmie Johnson’s dominance at Charlotte further cemented his legacy, especially as he advanced to the next elimination round after this win.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Bank of America 500 had major implications for the NASCAR season and the sport’s playoff structure. It highlighted the unpredictability of elimination-style racing and the importance of consistency under pressure.

Jimmie Johnson’s victory tied him with Cale Yarborough for most all-time wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway with 8.
The race eliminated Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr. from championship contention due to crash damage.
ESPN’s broadcast included real-time driver telemetry and in-car cameras, enhancing fan engagement.
The event generated an estimated $28 million in local economic impact from tourism and sponsorships.
Charlotte Motor Speedway upgraded its grandstands and pit facilities in 2015, improving safety and viewing experience.
The race influenced future NASCAR rule changes, including adjustments to stage racing introduced in 2017.

Ultimately, the 2015 Bank of America 500 remains a landmark race due to its dramatic finish, historical significance for Jimmie Johnson, and its role in shaping modern NASCAR playoff dynamics. It demonstrated how single races can alter championship trajectories and driver legacies.