Oh, not again: Rain has impact on NASCAR race preparations, qualifying

Ray Slover

Oh, not again: Rain has impact on NASCAR race preparations, qualifying image

It was raining Friday at Chicagoland Speedway. UPDATE: Sprint Cup qualifying is canceled.



Unfortunately, we kid you not. And with thunderstorms possible about the time qualifying is supposed to take place, there's a possibility the first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup will see its lineup set on points.

Friday's early practice for Xfinity Series drivers was washed away after about 20 minutes of track time. Cars were scheduled to return to the track in the afternoon.

MORE: Weekend schedule | Chase field | Chicagoland five to know

Attention turned to Cup drivers, who about 1:30 ET were to get their first practice laps on the 1.5-mile track. It was to be the only testing before Friday's 6:45 p.m. ET qualifying.

Xfinity drivers qualify on Saturday for the final race before the series begins its first Chase competition.

In a season plagued by rain (don't get us started about Pocono … ), weather forecasts are as important as tire wear examinations. Track-drying machines have more miles than some cars. And frankly, everyone involves must be thinking: Enough, already!

Now comes the good news: Clouds are expected to diminish into Saturday, and Sunday should be downright pleasant.

Into every life a little rain must fall. Better, in this case, on Friday than on race day.

Naturally.

Meanwhile, this was the Xfinity practice's other big surprise.

Well, at least there's plenty of time to fix that ...

Ray Slover