For as long as racing has existed, fans have debated whether the moon’s pull has more influence than just on tides. In astrology, the full moon is linked to heightened emotions, sudden shifts, and bursts of intensity — all qualities that seem to mirror the unpredictability of NASCAR. With several major races in 2025 coinciding with full moons and even lunar eclipses, the question becomes: do these cosmic alignments contribute to the chaos, cautions, and drama we see on track?
The Power of the Full Moon
In astrology, the full moon is seen as a time when energy reaches its highest point. It represents completion, illumination, and heightened emotions. This phase often reveals hidden truths, bringing emotional clarity while encouraging release and transformation. The surge of lunar energy can amplify feelings, creativity, and intuition.
Astrologers also note how signs experience the full moon differently: water signs may feel emotions more intensely, fire signs draw extra passion and drive, earth signs focus on grounding and practical results, and air signs experience sharper mental activity. No matter the element, the full moon is often described as a powerful reset — a chance to shed what no longer serves and set new intentions for growth.
The Worm Moon Eclipse and Las Vegas Under the Lights
The 2025 Ecosave 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway unfolded on the same night as the Blood Worm Moon eclipse, a rare celestial event that turned the night sky a fiery shade of red for over an hour. Astrologically, the Worm Moon represents transformation and release, while eclipses amplify unpredictability, often bringing sudden changes and heightened emotions. That symbolism echoed through the night’s chaos on track.
The Truck Series race itself was packed with drama. Corey Heim captured his 13th career win and second of the season, but his path to victory wasn’t straightforward. Heim overcame a pit road speeding penalty and a fluctuating front tire, clawing back from the rear of the field to lead a race-high 42 laps. His resilience mirrored the eclipse’s theme of breaking through challenges to reach clarity.
The race was not without turbulence. Rain delays stretched the event, reshaping track conditions and complicating setups. Tire strategy became a puzzle as cold weather and shifting grip levels kept teams on edge. The race saw 21 lead changes among 12 drivers, with Stage winners Ty Majeski and Tyler Ankrum unable to convert strong runs into victory. Pole sitter Corey Day faded to 27th after leading only 2 laps, a sharp reversal of fortune that fit the eclipse’s reputation for sudden twists.
Astrologers often note that eclipses bring intensity and unexpected shifts — themes that played out lap after lap in Las Vegas. From strategic gambles under unsettled skies to Heim’s comeback drive, the Ecosave 200 reflected the energy of the Blood Worm Moon: unpredictable, emotionally charged, and transformative.
The Sturgeon Moon and Watkins Glen Mayhem
Just as the Sturgeon Moon rose over Watkins Glen International on August 9, 2025, the Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen delivered a spectacle of high-speed dominance, massive wrecks, and emotional swings. Astrologically, the Sturgeon Moon in Aquarius emphasizes transformation, balance between individuality and community, and sudden breakthroughs — a fitting mirror to a race that tested alliances, patience, and resilience.
The race belonged to Connor Zilisch, who led 60 laps and captured his sixth victory of the season. But the win didn’t come without turbulence. Contact with teammate Shane van Gisbergen ended SVG’s day with 18 laps remaining, sparking tension inside the Trackhouse camp. Later, a lap 73 pileup involving more than ten cars — triggered by an aggressive battle between Michael McDowell and Austin Hill — shook the field and ignited heated debate on racing etiquette.
The Sturgeon Moon’s energy of emotional intensity and sudden shifts played out in dramatic fashion. Late restarts reshuffled the order, but Zilisch emerged ahead, only to suffer a broken collarbone during his victory celebration after getting tangled in his window net. The bizarre injury forced Trackhouse Racing to withdraw his planned Cup entry for the following day, a sudden reversal that echoed the Moon’s theme of volatility and transformation.
In astrology, this lunar phase highlights the push and pull between self-expression and collective harmony. At Watkins Glen, that tension came alive — from Zilisch’s clash with a teammate to the aggressive tactics that sparked the race-defining crash. The result was a night that left fans buzzing, drivers bruised, and the symbolism of the Sturgeon Moon vividly alive on the track.
Gateway Playoff Showdown Under the Corn Moon Eclipse
On September 7, 2025, the NASCAR Cup Series will roll into World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway for the Enjoy Illinois 300, the second race of the Playoffs. As drivers battle for advancement, the skies above will host their own spectacle: the Corn Moon Blood Moon eclipse.
Astrologically, this total lunar eclipse in Aquarius, opposite the Sun in Leo, represents a clash between individuality and community — ego versus altruism. It brings emotional intensity, karmic revelations, and sudden turning points. Energy during this eclipse is turbulent yet cleansing, often sparking breakthroughs, endings, and new beginnings.
For NASCAR, that symbolism could translate directly onto the track. Expect heightened tension in the garage and on the racing surface, as drivers may lean harder into bold, individualistic moves while teams grapple with the bigger picture of playoff advancement. Just as the Corn Moon eclipse encourages release of old patterns, some contenders may find themselves forced to abandon conservative strategies in favor of high-risk maneuvers.
This eclipse also emphasizes authenticity and higher purpose, themes that could resonate with playoff drivers seeking defining moments in their careers. Gateway’s flat, technical track often produces calculated battles and tempers — but under the Corn Moon eclipse, the race could take on a sharper edge.
News in Brief: Do Lunar Phases Fuel Chaos NASCAR Playoff at Gateway
Astrology and NASCAR collided in striking fashion during the 2025 season, with major races aligning with powerful full moons and eclipses. At Las Vegas, Corey Heim’s comeback victory in the Ecosave 200 unfolded under the Worm Moon eclipse, a night marked by rain delays and shifting momentum. Weeks later, the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen ran beneath the Sturgeon Moon, where Connor Zilisch dominated amid a controversial crash and a bizarre post-race injury. Now the Playoffs head to Gateway on September 7, coinciding with the Corn Moon eclipse, setting the stage for another night of cosmic drama and unpredictability.
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