Great American Getaway 400: Weather threatens NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono

Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway is scheduled for a 2 p.m. ET start. Weather, however, is threatening to delay the start of the race.

Pocono is currently asking fans to remain sheltered as the continued threat of a thunderstorm looms: “WEATHER UPDATE: There is a continued threat of a thunderstorm, including lightning, for this area. Please remain sheltered. Fan Stage and Victory Lane Stage Q&A Sessions are canceled. Stay tuned for more updates.”

According to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, the rain would need to stop by 12:30 p.m. for NASCAR to have a shot at starting the race on time. Pocono does not have lights and rain tires aren’t available. Pockrass projects the rain would need to cease by 3:00 p.m. to be able to race.

Obviously, NASCAR will come back and likely race Monday afternoon if the weather persists. But there’s a sold out crowd on site, ready to see the 17th Cup Series race of the season. This, “The Tricky Triangle,” is a big one. Including Pocono, only nine regular season races remain.

NASCAR heads to Pocono as playoffs approach

Ten drivers have clinched a spot in the postseason. Six spots are up for grabs. Will there be another surprise winner at Pocono? We saw one last week, as Shane van Gisbergen dominated the field at Mexico City.

But this is Pocono — Denny Hamlin‘s track. No, it’s not his hometown, but nobody has been better than Hamlin at Pocono. He has seven career victories at Pocono and his performance has been consistent throughout the different generations of cars.

Wouldn’t you know it, he’s on the pole for Sunday’s race. Hamlin is looking for his Cup best fourth win of the 2025 season.