How rain could impact NASCAR Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway
Tonight NASCAR hopes that the rain will stay away, but already there have been showers in the Richmond area ahead of tonight’s green flag. The Toyota Owners 400 could be put on hold or even delayed due to rain tonight.
Rain has already come through the area. So, track drying efforts are being made prior to the 7:15 PM EST start time. NASCAR has wet weather tires for Richmond. Those are not “rain tires” and will only be used in the event there is minimal spray on the track.
The wet weather tires will just shorten the delay if they are used. Instead of waiting for the jet dryers to dry the track, they can race on it a little bit and dry it that way. Very specific conditions for those tires.
Things just aren’t looking promising. Of course, the weather could stay away and this race will be just fine. But be prepared for issues. The chance of rain lessens as the night goes on, so there is something to be optimistic about.
No matter where NASCAR goes, rain is bound to follow it seems. Richmond Raceway isn’t a massive track. So, the drying process should be quick and easy. Not to mention, those wet weather tires could get the action started sooner than it would without them.
I think, if anything, there will be a delay in the middle of the race. However, things right now look like they will be clear enough for this race to go from green to checkered flag tonight. Of course, I could be wrong but I do not expect Monday racing.
NASCAR at Richmond – is this going to be like Bristol?
So, the last time NASCAR went to a short track like Richmond was at Bristol. We all know what happened there. Insane tire fall off, to the most extreme, and it was a fun race. However, there is a difference between Richmond and Bristol.
For starters, these are not the same tires. There is also no resin on the Richmond track surface. So, that’s a no-go. Tonight’s temperatures shouldn’t get cool enough, as they did at Bristol, to prevent rubber being laid into the track. Also, the Cup Series runs the intermediate package at Bristol, short track package at Richmond.
Still, this is Richmond. There should be tire fall off. Hopefully, there is enough fall off to make it an interesting strategy race. Make these crew chiefs and pit crews really work and have to get creative.
Kyle Larson will start on the pole in tonight’s race. He was great in qualifying and starts side-by-side with his teammate Chase Elliott. Behind them is a group of fast Toyotas hoping to show off their speed as they have for the last month. If the rain stays away, we should be in store for a fun night of racing on Easter.