The longest race in the Cup Series calendar — the Coca-Cola 600 — could get even more drawn out if Mother Nature has her way.
The threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms looms large over Charlotte Motor Speedway, the site of Sunday’s race. Such conditions descended onto the iconic surface throughout Saturday, scrawling across the track like wet paint. Although the weather has held up for the most part on Sunday night, things can turn very quickly where Mother Nature is concerned. Just look at this year’s Indy 500 for proof.
NASCAR’s biggest stars have flocked to the Queen City asphalt, hoping to claim a gemstone from one of the sport’s crown jewel races. Will they be able to slalom across the track without having to worry about slick conditions and stormy weather, however? Only time will tell.
MORE: Follow Kyle Larson’s day as he goes from Indy to Charlotte
The Sporting News is tracking live weather updates from the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. Follow below for the latest news regarding the status of Sunday’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
MORE: Why Kyle Larson will likely receive waiver for Cup Series playoffs
NASCAR at Charlotte weather updates
(All times Eastern)
11:30 p.m.: Despite NASCAR’s best efforts, they have called the race! Christopher Bell, the race leader at the time of the red flag, has been declared the winner. Our long national nightmare is over!
NEWS: Due to inclement weather, high humidity and the likelihood of resuming action after 1 a.m. with the track-drying process, the race has been declared official. @CBellRacing is the winner of the 65th #CocaCola600. pic.twitter.com/1spogfij9u
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 27, 2024
11:10 p.m.: Still unclear quite when NASCAR will return to the track. However, it looks like it will at some point tonight.
10:30 p.m.: Driers headed onto the track. They’ll attempt to make the puddles that have pooled across the track a thing of the past.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 27, 2024
10:15 p.m.: It seems the rain is through at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Now comes the real challenge. The track still needs to dry, which will likely take at least an hour. Will NASCAR allow this race to continue into the wee hours of the morning? Hard to tell at present…
Rain about through so if nascar is willing to race until 1-2am, it possibly could finish the race. pic.twitter.com/amVRxxF8nz
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 27, 2024
10:00 p.m.: The rain appears unrelenting at the moment. Another cell appears on the horizon.
Well maybe another short heavy cell will now hit the track. pic.twitter.com/F5Pi2zMAPh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 27, 2024
9:35 p.m.: Here’s a look at the race’s top-ten once the red flag waved:
Christopher BellBrad KeselowskiWilliam ByronTyler ReddickDenny HamlinTy GibbsChase ElliottRoss ChastainAlex BowmanJosh Berry
9:25 p.m.: Shortly after Kyle Larson returned from the Brickyard, NASCAR announced that it is waving a canary flag for rain. Here’s a look at the weather radar at present:
Not positive this rain cell would end the race. Would depend how long it falls. It is raining. pic.twitter.com/GmBvHE3m4G
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 27, 2024
9:15 p.m.: It’s being communicated to drivers that they’ve got about 20 minutes of clean driving before rain takes over the track. Have to imagine they’ll move accordingly, especially if they believe the race would be called off instead of delayed.
Rain still seems at least 20-30 minutes away. Lightning could come before rain. But I think have to pit and not try to stay out and hope race stops soon. pic.twitter.com/NQ9uJDBspY
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 27, 2024
9:00 p.m.: A look at Charlotte’s latest 30-minute weather radar, courtesy of Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass:
Here is last 30 minute radar … pic.twitter.com/oN1uk4KFq0
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 27, 2024
8:50 p.m.: Trouble could be abound from Queen City. Seems like things are destined to get wet at some point. It’s just a question of when, not if.
Track now under a severe thunderstorm warning. pic.twitter.com/0hcedPubd7
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 27, 2024
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