NASCAR race weather updates: Rain in forecast threatens a ROVAL delay at Charlotte

Dan Bernstein

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NASCAR race weather updates: Rain in forecast threatens a ROVAL delay at Charlotte image

Among the many storylines accompanying Sunday's NASCAR playoff race at Charlotte is the chance of rain and lightning, which could add a twist to an event that will trim the postseason field from 12 to eight.

Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Clint Bowyer and Aric Almirola likely need a victory at the ROVAL course to advance to the next round. Inclement weather conditions for the competition might provide the type of chaos they need to get that done.

Just look at how Saturday's Xfinity Series race ended at the same venue:

MORE: NASCAR's special rain rules for ROVAL, explained

While some rain is OK for racing Sunday, lightning would prompt an automatic delay of at least 30 minutes, according to NASCAR. Fans have witnessed that rule go into effect several times in the 2020 season.

So it's important to keep an eye on live forecasts throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. The competition is supposed to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Below are the latest weather updates for the Charlotte area on Sunday as NASCAR tries to get through its final Round of 12 playoff race by the end of the weekend.

NASCAR race weather updates for Charlotte ROVAL

Heading into Sunday, the forecast for Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., indicated an 80 percent chance of rain and possible afternoon thunderstorms. The Bank of America ROVAL 400 is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET. Infield lights have been installed at the venue, meaning the race could finish at night if it encounters lightning delays.

NASCAR is letting drivers use rain tires if needed, anticipating runs through light to mild rains.

This post will carry live weather updates for the Cup Series race starting a couple of hours before its scheduled start time.

5:15 p.m.: With 20 laps to go in the race, there is a chance of rain before the checkered flag.

2:21 p.m.: The race will start on time.

2:14 p.m.: Still looking like rain could be avoided.

1:39 p.m.: Two tire types are ready for use in case rain does come down.

1:30 p.m.: Conditions are actually OK so far.

What time does the NASCAR race start today?

  • Date:  Sunday, Oct. 11
  • Start time:  2:30 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: NBC

NASCAR starting lineup for ROVAL course

Starting spot Driver Car No. Team
1 Denny Hamlin (P) 11 Joe Gibbs Racing
2 Chase Elliott (P) 9 Hendrick Motorsports
3 Brad Keselowski (P) 2 Team Penske
4 Kevin Harvick (P) 4 Stewart-Haas Racing
5 Alex Bowman (P) 88 Hendrick Motorsports
6 Austin Dillon (P) 3 Richard Childress Racing
7 Martin Truex Jr. (P) 19 Joe Gibbs Racing
8 Joey Logano (P) 22 Team Penske
9 Kyle Busch (P) 18 Joe Gibbs Racing
10 Kurt Busch (P) 1 Chip Ganassi Racing
11 Clint Bowyer (P) 14 Stewart-Haas Racing
12 Aric Almirola (P) 10 Stewart-Haas Racing
13 William Byron 24 Hendrick Motorsports
14 Erik Jones 20 Joe Gibbs Racing
15 Ryan Newman 6 Roush Fenway Racing
16 Tyler Reddick 8 Richard Childress Racing
17 Ty Dillon 13 Germain Racing
18 Ryan Preece 37 JTG Daughtery Racing
19 John Hunter Nemechek 38 Front Row Motorsports
20 Matt DiBenedetto 21 Wood Brothers Racing
21 Chris Buescher 17 Roush Fenway Racing
22 Brennan Poole 15 Premium Motorsports
23 Matt Kenseth 42 Chip Ganassi Racing
24 Ryan Blaney 12 Team Penske
25 Quin Houff 00 StarCom Racing
26 Bubba Wallace 43 Richard Petty Motorsports
27 Timmy Hill 66 Motorsports Business Management
28 Cole Custer 41 Stewart-Haas Racing
29 Joey Gase 51 Petty Ware Racing
30 Jimmy Johnson 48 Hendrick Motorsports
31 Michael McDowell 34 Front Row Motorsports
32 Corey LaJoie 32 Go Fas Racing
33 JJ Yeley 27 Rick Ware Racing
34 Daniel Suarez 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing
35 Christopher Bell 95 Leavine Family Racing
36 Gray Gaulding 127 Rick Ware Racing
37 James Davison 53 Rick Ware Racing
38 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 47 JTG Daughtery Racing
(P) Playoff driver.

Dan Bernstein