CAN WE RACE SUNDAY?
All week the odds of racing the Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Sunday has ranged from 10 to 20 percent. The odds remain about the same with them being closer to 10 percent than 20. While I think it’s doubtful we see any racing Sunday at Pocono Raceway, some forecast data has suggested we might see a brief lull in the rain starting sometime between 9 to 10 a.m. and returning early afternoon between 1 and 2 p.m. Not sure this potential break would allow enough time to dry the track and get the race started.
Rain and possible severe storms in Pocono race day weather forecast Sunday
The odds of racing Sunday’s Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race remains low and very unlikely but is there any for a window of opportunity?
RACING TO HALFWAY OR NOT AT ALL?
Is this potential break long enough for any racing Sunday afternoon at Pocono Raceway? I’d say the odds are slim to none. I guess the fan in me wants to hold on to some hope even if it’s a 10 percent chance of racing. Even if NASCAR could get the race started it’s not likely to reach halfway let alone the full distance.
THREAT OF SEVERE STORMS
It’s bad enough we are looking at a NASCAR washout for the first time in 2016 and along with the rain comes the threat of severe storms, especially towards the afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has Pocono Raceway somewhere between a slight and enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms. The main threat with storms that form Sunday afternoon around Pocono Raceway are damaging straight-line winds, hail, heavy rain, and numerous lightning strikes. Any fans going to the race Sunday need to be weather aware. If you hear thunder you need to seek shelter immediately from lightning. It’s possible a severe thunderstorm watch could be issued for the track later in the day Sunday. That means severe thunderstorms are possible but not necessarily that they have formed or are threatening the track. It’s the severe thunderstorm warning that will be issued if a severe storm is imminent or is occurring.
After the August 2012 incident where a fan was struck and killed at Pocono Raceway after the Sprint Cup race, I want NASCAR fans to be prepared and stay safe while at the track.
WHAT IS MONDAY’S FORECAST?
Monday’s weather is significantly better and nicer with partly to mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s by the afternoon.
Please follow me on Twitter @NASCAR_WXMAN and like me on Facebook for the latest weather updates through the weekend.
All times Eastern
SUNDAY
Noon -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 pre-race
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: South 5-15 mph
Temperature: 69
1 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: South 5-15 mph
Temperature: 70
2 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: South 5-15 mph
Temperature: 70
3 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: South 5-15 mph
Temperature: 69
4 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: South 5-15 mph
Temperature: 69
5 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: South 5-15 mph
Temperature: 68
6 p.m. -- Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400
Forecast: Showers or t’storm likely
Winds: South 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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