Something other than speed could change how this weekend plays out. As NASCAR returns to Dover Motor Speedway, the weather forecast brings more questions than answers. With chances of rain across all three days, every event on the schedule may face changes. Some races could run on time. Others may not. And one big race could be at risk. Teams are watching the skies as much as the track. The full schedule now depends on what happens above.
Key Highlights
Friday: 50% chance of rain could impact ARCA practice, qualifying, and the General Tire 150
Saturday: 30% chance of rain, with a full NASCAR schedule planned including Xfinity and Cup sessions
Sunday: 55% chance of rain poses risk to the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 Cup race
Temperatures will hover in the low to mid 80s throughout the weekend
The final In-Season Challenge Cup race may be influenced by weather-related uncertainty
Friday Forecast: ARCA Faces Early Threats
The weekend kicks off Friday, July 18, with ARCA Menards Series teams taking to the track. But with a 50% chance of rain in the forecast and humid conditions, the day’s slate—including practice, qualifying, and the General Tire 150—could face delays or potential cancellation.
If rain affects the track surface, it may prevent teams from gathering essential data for the weekend ahead. With no lights at Dover, timing becomes especially important for keeping the schedule intact.
Friday Schedule (ET)
1:40 p.m. – ARCA Practice
2:40 p.m. – ARCA Qualifying
5:00 p.m. – General Tire 150 (FS1)
Saturday Outlook: Busy Schedule, Limited Rain Risk
Saturday, July 19, offers a packed day of on-track activity, and the 30% rain chance may be manageable enough for all events to run as planned. NASCAR Xfinity and Cup teams will get their only practice and qualifying laps in ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series main event.
With limited rain risk, teams will likely approach the day aggressively—especially with track time now at a premium due to Sunday’s uncertain forecast.
Saturday Schedule (ET)
11:00 a.m. – Xfinity Practice (CW App)
12:05 p.m. – Xfinity Qualifying (CW App)
1:35 p.m. – Cup Practice (truTV)
2:45 p.m. – Cup Qualifying (truTV)
4:30 p.m. – BetRivers 200 Xfinity Race (The CW)
Notables in Saturday’s Xfinity field include Ross Chastain (No. 9, JR Motorsports), Jake Finch (No. 17, debut for Hendrick), and Aric Almirola (No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing).
Sunday Spotlight: Cup Series May Race Against the Rain
Sunday’s AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 is shaping up to be a pivotal race, but it’s also the most weather-threatened, with a 55% chance of rain currently forecast. The Cup Series is set to go green at 2:00 p.m. ET, live on TNT, with 37 cars on the entry list. Every team is locked into the field, barring any last-minute withdrawals.
If rain hits before or during the race, NASCAR may opt for delays or even a rescheduled Monday race. The weather is especially important given this is the final In-Season Challenge race, with a $1 million prize on the line and only four drivers—Ty Dillon, John Hunter Nemechek, Tyler Reddick, and Ty Gibbs—still eligible.
Shane van Gisbergen returns to the No. 88 Trackhouse Chevrolet looking for a third consecutive victory after road course wins in Chicago and Sonoma. However, the Monster Mile presents his first oval test at this level—rain delays could either help him adapt or further complicate his weekend.
Sunday Schedule (ET)
2:00 p.m. – AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 (TNT)
News in Brief: Weather Forecast for Dover NASCAR Weekend
Rain could be a factor across the NASCAR weekend at Dover, especially on Friday and Sunday. With a 50% chance of rain on Friday, ARCA events may be affected, while Saturday looks more stable with only a 30% chance. Sunday, however, brings the highest threat with a 55% chance of showers for the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400. Temperatures will stay in the 80s throughout. Teams and fans should prepare for potential delays, especially during the pivotal final In-Season Challenge race. NASCAR officials will monitor the forecast closely to adjust scheduling if necessary.
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