This weekend’s South Point 400 just got otherworldly! The anticipation of the Round of 8 commencing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway rapidly multiplied with the added thrill of a shadowed forecast over the playoff race. The racing community would be treated to the mystery and magic of NASCAR’s luminous night races, that too, during the day.

The phenomenon would not be witnessed for the next two decades in the Silver State. Naturally, NASCAR’s imaginative fandom came up with intriguing scenarios for this unique development.

Fastest qualifier at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will win morning pole under glittering moonlight

The stage is set for the penultimate round prior to the Championship 4 race in Phoenix. The round will start with the South Point 400 race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The practice run and qualifying race is scheduled for this Saturday, October 14. However, a wonderful phenomenon about to take place has been making fans giddy with anticipation!

In a wondrous coincidence, Las Vegas will witness a partial solar eclipse on the same day. The stunning spectacle will not return to Nevada in the next 22 years, with the next eclipse set to place in August of 2045! What’s even better is that the timings for the two events will align perfectly!

The partial Vegas eclipse will commence at 8:08 AM PDT and last until 10: 54 AM PDT. But it will reach its peak at 9: 26 AM. Precisely 9 minutes later, at 9: 35 AM, the Cup stalwarts will begin their practice session for the race the next day. In an exhilarating turn of events, the qualifying rounds are set to start at 10:20 AM, during the eclipse. The overlap was confirmed by noted FOX journalist Bob Pockrass.

Watch this story: Next Gen Cars Stir Debate in NASCAR 

The confirmation stirred renewed enthusiasm in the NASCAR fandom as the playoffs become Vegas-bound this weekend.

NASCAR fans credit extraterrestrials for Nevada’s playoff race

Expectantly, the incredible prospect of attaining the qualifying pole under the Sun’s shadow instead of blazing light, drew numerous Redditors toward the comment section.

Underlining Pockrass’ post, a Redditor shared, “Pole winner’s going to be the one who gets to go during the eclipse! Chasing the moon instead of chasing a cloud!” Other fans similarly marveled picturing the remarkable view.

“Imagine how epic the photos could look”

“This is going to be so cool”

But the NASCAR fandom soon captured the amusing potential of this event in spicing up the usual race commentary.

“‘The moon, on one side! The sun, on the other side! Green flag is in the air at Las Vegas!’ – Rick Allen”

“Annnnnnnnd of course, we are UNDER THE MOON LIGHTS here in Vegas….Jeff, YOU used to drive, what’s it LIKE in the car right now?!”

Hilariously attributing the comedic scenario to an extraterrestrial creation, one person graciously concluded, “Thank you aliens!”

The celestial event is sure to serve as an icing on the cake when racing track stars gather under one roof to battle it out for that coveted pole position. Fans are excited and so are we!

Read More: “Torn up”: NASCAR Fans Outcry as Track Loses Battle Against Time; Arnold Schwarzenegger Stans Will Remember It Forever