Daytona Weekend Takes a Turn for the Worst as the Cup Series Practice Gets Cancelled
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The worst fears for NASCAR’s Daytona weekend have now come true. According to a report by FOX journalist, Bob Pockrass, the final Cup practice session has been cancelled. There had been reports about the imminent rain threat for the weekend and by the looks of it, the Daytona 500 is also under major threat.
Prior to this, ARCA was quick to make adjustments to their original schedule owing to the threat of rain. They moved the race ahead on Friday and thus were able to be done with their event at the Daytona International Speedway. But now, fans await an official confirmation regarding the Cup Series race and rescheduling plans by NASCAR.
Rest of the Saturday schedule ahead of Daytona 500 to remain unchanged
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The rain gods have seemingly been at odds with NASCAR since the start of the season. After the Busch Light Clash fiasco, it looks like the Daytona 500 race could well be headed down the same track. The cookie has started to crumble with, NASCAR canceling Saturday’s final Cup Series session.
Providing an update about the situation, NASCAR posted, “Saturday’s final NASCAR Cup Series practice before Sunday’s Daytona 500, at Daytona International Speedway was cancelled due to rain in the area. The remainder of Saturday’s schedule remains on track. Including the Xfinity Series qualifying at 11:30 a.m. ET. The Daytona ARCA 200 in the ARCA Menards Series, originally scheduled for today, was raced last night due to weather.”
Ahead of the practice session, there was light rain on the racetrack, which saw the track crew hard at work drying the track. With rains not fending off, NASCAR, after delays, sought to take a final call and cancelled the final Cup practice session. However, there are more concerns regarding the Xfinity Series opener as well as Daytona 500.
Final Cup practice has been canceled.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 17, 2024
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As far as the weather forecast is concerned, things are looking grim for the entire weekend at the Daytona International Speedway.
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Weather update for Sunday’s Daytona 500
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The National Weather Service’s forecast predicted a 90% chance of rain on Saturday, with rain starting in the morning and gradually picking up pace throughout the day. The NWS also added that the rain could be heavy at times. It looks like the forecast did come true, and Saturday’s events are now under threat of imminent rain.
As far as Sunday’s weather is concerned, there’s again a 90% chance of rain. These rains are expected to be followed by heavy showers. The only good update about Sunday’s forecast is that during the evening, the chance of rain falls down to 50%. However, NASCAR does not race in rain, and even a 50% chance could jeopardize the whole schedule.
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For the time being, the Daytona 500 is expected to run on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. CT.
Edited by:
Rohan Karnad