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Rain Halts North Wilkesboro Qualifying, Future Uncertain
19 Jul
Summary
- Qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series at North Wilkesboro was delayed by rain.
- The storm caused a lightning hold, impacting a tight practice and qualifying schedule.
- Future weather forecasts also show scattered showers and storms for race day.
Rain and lightning forced a hold on NASCAR Cup Series qualifying Saturday at North Wilkesboro Speedway, complicating a schedule already tight on time. The storms moved in rapidly, prompting officials to issue a hold and warn fans to seek shelter. Reporters on-site confirmed the downpour and lightning.
Insiders suggested the delay might be a temporary pop-up storm, common in mid-summer, which NASCAR has weathered before. The track surface was noted to dry quickly. However, the forecast for the remainder of the weekend, including Sunday's race, shows a persistent chance of scattered showers and storms.
Should Saturday's qualifying be entirely canceled, NASCAR has procedures to set the field based on owner points or previous race results. The forecast for Sunday afternoon offers slightly more optimism than later in the day. The 40-car field will compete in the 450-lap Window World 450, a sold-out event.
