June 30, 2019 - Joliet, Illinois , USA: The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams take to the track for the Camping World 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois .
June 30, 2019 - Joliet, Illinois , USA: The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams take to the track for the Camping World 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois .
NASCAR’s relationship with the weather has hardly been smooth this season. As seen during the race at Charlotte and Nashville earlier, changing weather has added another layer of unpredictability to the race.
The concern is now whether Chicagoland will be the latest to feel the impact of the grey skies.
Chicagoland is all set to make its highly anticipated return to the series schedule after six years and is expected to generate big headlines. But according to the latest weather update, the entire race weekend beginning on Friday might be plagued with heavy rains and thunderstorms.
Per Weather.com, on Friday, when the ARCA Menards race will take place, there is a 52% chance of scattered thunderstorms with winds up to 9 mph and temperatures of 71°F.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA 2015: Sprint Cup Series myAFibRisk.com 400 Sep 20 Sept. 20, 2015 - Joliet, IL, U.S. - Joliet, IL - Sep 20, 2015: Denny Hamlin 11 wins the 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. Joliet IL U.S. EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20150920_zaf_a55_015.jpg JustinxRxNoex csmphototwo156165
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA 2015: Sprint Cup Series myAFibRisk.com 400 Sep 20 Sept. 20, 2015 - Joliet, IL, U.S. - Joliet, IL - Sep 20, 2015: Denny Hamlin 11 wins the 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. Joliet IL U.S. EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20150920_zaf_a55_015.jpg JustinxRxNoex csmphototwo156165
However, the bigger threat lies on Saturday, on the day of the O’Reilly Series race and the Cup Series qualifying. There is 46% chance of rain during the day, and in the evening, that number rises to 62%, and thunderstorms are expected with winds gusting up to 8 mph.
As for the weather on Sunday, it is expected to be partly sunny with a 24% chance of rain during the day and rising to around 40% in the evening. Out of the three days, the wind will be the strongest on this day, as it is forecasted to climb up to 10 mph. The temperature is expected to rise to 81°F.
However, it remains to be seen if the weather will cause any delays to the NASCAR schedule as it did at Charlotte and Nashville. For the fans travelling up to Chicagoland, carrying rain gear will be essential.
Where can you catch all of NASCAR’s Fourth of July weekend action?
The ARCA Menards race will take place on Friday, July 3, which will be broadcast on FS1. Qualifying will take place at 3:35 p.m. ET, and the race is scheduled to kick off the same evening at 8 p.m. ET.
For the O’Reilly series, fans can catch all the action on the CW App beginning with the practice session on Friday. Qualifying will take place at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, followed by the race at 5:30 pm ET.
For the main event of the weekend, which is the NASCAR Cup Series, all the sessions, beginning with the practice on Friday, will be broadcast on TruTV, with qualifying at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday.
However, the main race on Sunday will be broadcast on TNT Sports at 6 p.m. ET.
Follow the Daytona Racing Digest for more NASCAR updates!
Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco
Edited by
Yash Kotak