October in Las Vegas is like a last summer fling, with warm afternoons stretching out under that endless Nevada sun. Back in 2022, the South Point 400 weekend baked with highs near 89°F (32°C) during practice and qualifying, dipping to the upper 60s at night, and barely cooling to the mid-80s on race day. In 2023, things mellowed out a bit.

Then the 2024 forecast for the South Point 400 was a fan’s dream: sunny skies, mild temps, and next to no rain threat. Sunday’s race day topped out in the mid-70s, with the weekend staying stable and pleasant. It was the kind of weather that let the racing shine, without the heat stealing the show. This year’s South Point 400 weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is gearing up for more of that Vegas magic, with a forecast that’s mostly sunny and mild.

Weekend’s weather

The South Point 400 weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is set for a mix of action and sun. On Saturday, Xfinity practice and qualifying hit the CW App at 2 p.m. ET, followed by Cup practice and qualifying at 4:30 p.m. ET on TruTV.

The Xfinity race green-flags at 7:30 p.m. ET on CW, running 201 laps with stages at 45, 45, and 111, and five tire sets for strategy plays. Temps go from 80s in the day to 60s at night. A 15% rain chance could throw a curveball, so keep an eye on those clouds for a potential delay.

With the desert sun beating down, teams will be watching tire wear closely, as Goodyear’s compounds face the challenge of high asphalt temps and long green-flag runs. Managing blistering and degradation will be key for crews looking to find an edge in the Xfinity field.

Sunday’s the spotlight: prerace at 5 p.m. ET on USA, with the Cup race dropping at 5:30 p.m. ET for 267 laps in stages of 80, 85, and 102, and nine tire sets to keep things spicy. The forecast calls for 77°F daytime with NE winds at 13 mph, cooling to 57°F at night with light W winds at 5 mph.

Goodyear engineers have been working with teams on optimal pressures and stagger adjustments to help the tires cope with the track’s abrasive surface and Nevada’s bright sun, aiming to maintain grip and consistency over long runs.

Saturday’s 84°F high with 15% rain and S winds at 20 mph gives way to Sunday’s clearer skies with zero precipitation risk. It’s prime racing weather, with mild temps letting the cars do the talking.

So, can Goodyear beat the heat of sunny Nevada? The engineers are actively working on it, and while Saturday may bring slightly higher temps and a small rain chance, Sunday’s clear skies and mild temperatures suggest the tires should perform well, maintaining grip and consistency.

Glen Powell is the Grand Marshal for the Cup race

The South Point 400 gets a Hollywood boost with Glen Powell as grand marshal for October 12. The actor and producer, fresh off Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, brings star power to the playoffs.

Powell’s next up in Hulu’s Chad Powers comedy and Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, a sci-fi thriller dropping November 14, where he plays Ben Richards in a Stephen King dystopian twist. It’s a role that fits his action-hero vibe, blending speed and spectacle like a NASCAR race.

Powell’s no stranger to high-energy crowds, and his “absolute yes” to the gig shows his love for competition. “I’ve grown up around a love of speed and competition, and NASCAR racing embodies that passion like no other,” he said.

“To be part of this tradition in Las Vegas, with all the energy and excitement of the fans, is going to be an unforgettable experience.” He joins a star-studded list at LVMS: Morgan Freeman, Mark Wahlberg, Kim Kardashian, Tim Allen, Dana White, and Rascal Flatts have all waved the green flag. Powell’s golden touch, from Golden Globe nods to blockbuster hits, promises a prerace pep that’ll have fans roaring before the engines fire.