For NASCAR, 2016 has been a relatively dry year when it comes to races and rain delays. Sure, there have been a few races where rain and wind threatened, but NASCAR managed to get them all complete. NASCAR makes its first visit to the Tricky Triangle in 2016 and Pocono Raceway is living up to its rainy reputation.
2016 NASCAR Pocono weekend weather forecast: Will Sunday be a washout?
It seems like you can’t have a NASCAR Pocono weekend without the threat of rain, and rain is definitely a concern as NASCAR visits the Tricky Triangle for the first time in 2016.
Rain and fog continue to cause problems for Pocono Raceway Friday afternoon as rain showers move through as of 1 p.m. on Friday. Forecast for Sprint Cup Qualifying Friday looks to be in jeopardy, but if they get a nice break or window between showers and storms then qualifying could get in, same thing for the ARCA race later Friday evening.
With the rain and moisture in place Friday night, fog will be around Pocono Raceway to start the day Saturday. This might be an issue for the Xfinity qualifying. Fog will lift and we should see sun and clouds with dry weather on Saturday. Should be good for Sprint Cup final practice and the Pocono Green 250 NASCAR Xfinity race.
I hate to say it but Sunday is looking like a washout. Forecast data is consistent with showers moving in Saturday night then continuing off and on during the day Sunday. There could be thunderstorms with heavy downpours and the possibility of severe storms during the day. This is now more than just a concern for racing, but the safety of fans and crews at the track.
Odds of racing the Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Sunday afternoon is around 10 to 20 percent. I am not overly optimistic but there is a possibility that near the scheduled start of the race (1 p.m. ET Sunday) there could be a window. I don’t believe it would be big enough to go the distance or halfway but it may be big enough to get the race started. It would just depend on track drying, which will also be challenging given the moisture that will be in place and the size of the track.
Monday’s weather is drier with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s by the afternoon.
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All times Eastern
FRIDAY:
3 p.m. -- Xfinity series final practice
Forecast: Cloudy with a possible shower
Winds: SW 5-10 mph
Temperature: 67
4:15 p.m. -- Sprint Cup series qualifying
Forecast: Cloudy with a possible shower
Winds: SW 5-10 mph
Temperature: 66
5:45 p.m. -- ARCA Race
Forecast: Cloudy with a possible shower
Winds: SW 5-10 mph
Temperature: 66
SATURDAY:
9:05 a.m. -- Xfinity Series qualifying
Forecast: Partly sunny, patchy fog
Winds: Light NW
Temperature: 67
11:30 a.m. -- Sprint Cup series final practice
Forecast: Partly sunny
Winds: Light NW
Temperature: 70
1 p.m. -- Xfinity Series race
Forecast: Partly sunny
Winds: Light NW
Temperature: 73
SUNDAY
Noon -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 pre-race
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: SW 5-15 mph
Temperature: 67
1 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: SW 5-15 mph
Temperature: 68
2 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: SW 5-15 mph
Temperature: 69
3 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: SW 5-15 mph
Temperature: 69
4 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: SW 5-15 mph
Temperature: 69
5 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: SW 5-15 mph
Temperature: 68
6 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: SW 5-15 mph
Temperature: 67
MONDAY:
Noon -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 (If needed)
Forecast: Partly sunny, breezy
Winds: West 10-15 mph
Temperature: 69
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