BROOKLYN, Mich. (WOOD) — Rain showers may dampen NASCAR's race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. So what will that mean?
NASCAR is set to host three national-series races over the weekend:
- Henry Ford Health 200 | ARCA Menards Series | Friday at 6 p.m.
- Cabo Wabo 250 | Xfinity Series | Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
- FireKeepers Casino 400 | Cup Series | Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
As early as Friday morning, teams unloading for the ARCA series race were faced with downpours. It's a sight that may greet race teams through the weekend.
Rainy race weekends are something the track has been used to contending with in recent years. So how is the forecast shaping up and how could NASCAR adapt?
THE FORECAST
A low pressure system sweeping through the Great Lakes is likely to spark showers through southern Michigan, including at MIS in Brooklyn, both Saturday and Sunday, with activity peaking through the afternoon and evening.
Much of Saturday morning may end up rain-free in the Irish Hills. Through the afternoon and evening, however, pop-up showers and thunderstorms are expected to become numerous. The chance of seeing rain in Brooklyn at some point on Saturday currently stands at around 80%.
The low pressure system will still be around through Sunday, which likely means a rinse-and-repeat forecast. Predominantly dry conditions in the morning are set to give way to developing showers through the afternoon and evening. Rainfall amounts should remain on the lighter side.
NASCAR'S OPTIONS
Michigan International Speedway is a 2-mile oval and typically takes between one and two hours to dry with the available track drying equipment. That time can fluctuate depending on sunshine, humidity and track temperature.
MIS doesn't have lights to illuminate the track at night, so NASCAR will be up against the clock to get racing should rain roll through. Sunset time in Brooklyn is around 8:30 p.m., meaning both the Xfinity and Cup series races would have to begin by early evening to avoid postponement.
NASCAR has been experimenting with wet-weather tires at short tracks and road courses, but still deems the danger too high to use them at high-speed ovals. Therefore, given the series' treadless tires, just about any rain would ensure a delay in racing action.
Should the race or races be postponed to Monday, the weather looks significantly more cooperative as the low slides east. Increasing sunshine is expected through the day.
MIS REASSURES FANS
MIS track president Joe Fowler reassured that ticket purchases for the FireKeepers Casino 400 are protected.
"One thing that we offer is our weather protection program. So if you buy a ticket and for whatever reason the race gets postponed, you're covered. You can use that ticket towards credit for next year's race," he said.
Each of the past three race weekends have dealt with rain. The 2023 FireKeepers Casino was delayed to Monday after soaking rains lingered Sunday. The 2022 race was delayed by around two hours after a downpour passed through. The 2021 race was briefly brought under a caution as a light shower passed by.
HOW TO WATCH
For those seeking to take in the action from home, NBC Sports will be providing coverage for both the Xfinity series and cup series races. Saturday's Xfinity series race coverage will begin at 3 p.m. on USA Network, while Sunday's cup series coverage starts at 2 p.m., also on USA Network.