Charlotte, NC ā Music fans and race enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Topāselling country artist ERNEST, fresh off a GRAMMYĀ® nomination, is set to deliver an electrifying pre-race performance at the Bank of America ROVAL⢠400 on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Charlotte Motor Speedway

A Rising Powerhouse
ERNEST, born Ernest K. Smith, has swiftly become a Nashville stalwart. With 13 No.āÆ1 hits as a songwriter, several chart-topping tracks on country radio, and acclaimed albums Flower Shops (The Album) and Nashville, Tennessee, heās firmly in the spotlight . He recently co-penned āI Had Some Helpā for Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, which broke Billboardās Hot 100 records and earned him a coveted 2025 GRAMMYĀ® nod .
His growing presence in live music circuits is equally impressiveāopening for Morgan Wallenās One Night at a Time Stadium Tour, touring arenas with Jelly Roll, and frontlining Busch Lightās Summer Music Series at NASCAR venues in Texas and Michigan .
The ROVAL⢠Experience
Charlotteās iconic ROVAL⢠road course, a 2.28-mile, 17-turn hybrid track, delivers high-stakes playoff action with one of the most thrilling configurations on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit . Positioned as a critical Round of 12 race, the event unfolds on Sunday, Oct. 5, when the field narrows, intensifying the drama for both drivers and fans alike .
ERNESTās performance is poised to elevate the atmosphere, providing a high-octane musical kickoff that mirrors the charged energy of the on-track competition. It promises to be an unforgettable moment for fans gathering in the infield.
Why This Matters
Entertainment meets adrenaline: Combining a powerhouse country artist with NASCARās playoff fervor creates a multisensory spectacle for attendees. Engaging diverse audiences: The presence of GRAMMYānominated ERNEST brings fresh appeal, especially to younger country and popāinfluenced fans, enriching the traditional NASCAR fanbase. Highlighting unique artist alignment: This appearance continues ERNESTās expanding crossover between major music tours and sporting events, reinforcing his position as a versatile performer.
Looking Ahead
Keep an eye on Charlotte Motor Speedwayās official ticketing channels for options like infield concert access and VIP track-side passes. If ERNESTās past festival and stadium gigs are any indication, this ROVAL⢠performance could add one of the most memorable moments to his 2025 tour resume.
In summary: ERNESTās pre-race performance at the Bank of America ROVAL⢠400 promises to be a thrilling fusion of country music and high-speed dramaāa cultural crossover event thatās shaping up to be a highlight of the NASCAR Playoffs.