The NASCAR weekend is shaping up to be a thriller both on track and in the skies. With the Cup and Xfinity Series rolling into EchoPark Speedway and the Craftsman Truck and ARCA Menards Series battling at Lime Rock Park, weather could play a crucial role in race outcomes. As summer storms loom, drivers, teams, and fans alike will need to keep one eye on the radar.
Key Highlights
- EchoPark Speedway forecast shows 50–60% rain chances Friday and Saturday.
- Friday night’s Xfinity race could face delays under Atlanta lights.
- Lime Rock Park’s Truck and ARCA events are also threatened by potential showers.
All three national series in action with weather-induced strategy in play. - Broadcast networks include TNT, FOX, The CW, FS1, FS2, and truTV.
Friday Forecast – Showers Threaten Practice and Xfinity Night Race
Friday’s schedule includes practice, qualifying, and a headlining race under the lights—but clear skies aren’t guaranteed. EchoPark Speedway will host Xfinity and Cup Series qualifying ahead of the Focused Health 250. Meanwhile, the Truck and ARCA Menards Series will complete practice and qualifying sessions at Lime Rock Park.
Friday Weather at EchoPark Speedway:
- Daytime: Mid-80s°F, 50% chance of rain
- Nighttime: Low 70s°F, 30% chance of rain
These conditions may impact Cup Series qualifying at 5:05 PM ET and especially the Xfinity Series race at 7:30 PM ET. While a full cancellation is unlikely, delays or red flags are possible.
Xfinity Series Entry Highlights:
- Connor Zilisch returns for JR Motorsports in the No. 88
- Aric Almirola takes the wheel of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Patrick Staropoli, Nick Leitz, and Katherine Legge among notable entries
With 38 drivers set to qualify, the entire field will race regardless of weather, adding urgency to adapt quickly to changing track conditions.
Saturday Outlook – Rain Could Disrupt Truck and Cup Series Action
Saturday features a fully stacked lineup across both tracks, and while the atmosphere promises excitement, the weather may bring uncertainty. Rain is more likely during the daytime at both locations.
Saturday Weather at EchoPark Speedway:
- Daytime: Mid-80s°F, 60% chance of rain
- Nighttime: Low 70s°F, 30% chance of rain
Saturday Weather at Lime Rock Park (projected similar):
- Scattered showers with humidity in play
- Potential for brief interruptions during qualifying or race sessions
The LiUNA! 150 Truck Series race at 1:00 PM ET and ARCA’s Lime Rock 100 at 4:00 PM ET could see teams adjust strategy for wet conditions—particularly tire selection and pit timing.
Truck Series Entry Highlights:
- Jordan Taylor debuts in the No. 7 for Spire Motorsports
- William Lambros, Wesley Slimp, and Thomas Annunziata make series debuts
- 35 trucks entered—no one will be sent home
Atlanta
ETFri
3-CW App-Xfin qual
5:05-TruTv-Cup qual
7-CW-Prerace
7:30-CW-Xfin race 45-45-73
NWS:80s (70s night), 50% rain day, 30% nightSat
6:30-TNT-Prerace
7-TNT-Cup race 60-100-100
NWS: 80s (70s night), 60% day, 30% night— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 24, 2025
At EchoPark, all eyes will be on TNT’s debut Cup Series broadcast with the Quaker State 400 at 7:00 PM ET. This race marks the first leg of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, adding pressure for teams to perform, rain or shine.
Strategy Shifts, Broadcast Impacts, and the Role of Weather in Race Drama
Unsettled weather often creates unpredictable racing—and for NASCAR, that’s both a challenge and a selling point. Variable conditions can flip the script, favoring road course ringers, savvy crew chiefs, or teams with aggressive pit calls.
Additionally, wet forecasts could impact broadcast windows, especially on Friday night. The CW and truTV will need to remain flexible, especially if the Xfinity race or Cup qualifying is delayed.
TNT’s return, featuring a star-studded team led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte, and Adam Alexander, is another storyline to watch. Whether Saturday’s race goes off on time or not, fans will be introduced to TNT’s immersive, on-site presentation for the first time in over a decade.
Meanwhile, streaming platforms like Max and Bleacher Report will play a pivotal role in race coverage, ensuring fans stay connected even if rain throws a wrench into live coverage plans.
News in Brief: NASCAR Atlanta weather
The weekend forecast may have some clouds hanging over it, but the action on track is still expected to shine. With three NASCAR national series in action and TNT’s highly anticipated return, the weather adds one more variable to an already intriguing slate. As always, NASCAR finds ways to adapt, and this weekend will be no different—rain tires, split strategies, and flexible broadcasts are all in play.
ALSO READ: EchoPark Speedway’s Most Recent Cup Series Winners
