The NASCAR Cup Series is preparing to head to the iconic oval of the Talladega Superspeedway. Drivers just need to hope the weather cooperates.
The Geico 500, scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, saw all qualifying laps go off without a hitch, with Michael McDowell claiming the pole position during a strong showing by Ford drivers.
But rain overnight and a wet forecast for Sunday loom before the start of the 10th race of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Here’s the latest weather updates from Talladega.
MORE: Watch the Geico 500 at Talladega live with Fubo (free trial)
NASCAR at Talladega weather updates
(All times Eastern)
Saturday, April 20
3:30 p.m.: As things stand Saturday, the weather is overcast in Talladega. But the forecast does not bode well for Sunday.
There is a 30% chance of rain Saturday afternoon, up to an 80% chance of rain overnight and an 80% chance of rain Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Much of that rain is expected before 1 p.m. CT (2 p.m. ET), according to the NWS.
The chance of rain dip to 20% at 1 p.m. CT, and fall down as low as 5% at 4 p.m. CT, which should help allow NASCAR to have a chance at getting the race off on time, even if it means there winds up being a delay.
Talladega weather forecast
National Weather Service
- Chance of rain (Saturday): 30%
- Chance of rain (Saturday night): 80%
- Chance of rain (Sunday): 80%
- Chance of rain (Sunday night): 0%
There is certainly appearing to be rain building up in the forecast before the race. But there at least should be an opportunity after rain on Sunday afternoon for NASCAR to get the race in, assuming it can dry off the tracks.
