NASCAR Cup Series practice delayed due to rain at Michigan

The state of Michigan has a lot of rain in the forecast. Right now, that means the NASCAR Cup Series activities are on hold. The Cup Series is supposed to practice and qualify starting at 12:30 PM EST. However, that’s getting pushed back.

This is going to be a delicate situation. NASCAR officials will have to determine if they can get the track dry in time to have practice and qualifying. The Xfinity Series is set to race at 3:30 PM EST this afternoon.

As long as NASCAR doesn’t lose the Michigan track, meaning the whole thing has to be dried with the air titans and jet dryers, then all will be well. If it is lost, well, we’re looking at a lineup set by the metric.

There is optimism that things will only be delayed until 12:45 PM EST. That’s a 15-minute delay. When the practice session does roll around, it will be a combined 40 minute session, no groups. All of that information, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

practice will start at 12:45 and it will be 40 minutes for all cars.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 17, 2024

If all goes well, then qualifying will be on time. Practice will be interesting. Everyone will have 40 minutes. However, there is a chance there will be a ton of cars on the track at one time. Should be good practice for race situations.

There is going to be a little bit of rain in the area for the entire weekend, at least it feels that way. Last night, the ARCA Menards Series was able to get through their race without any problems. Qualifying was canceled on Friday.

Again, as long as the heavy stuff stays out of the area, it will be manageable. If it starts to pour, then we can begin to worry about racing and all of that fun stuff.

NASCAR Xfinity Series team announces lineup at Michigan

Haas Factory Team has inked two drivers to multi-year deals in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, tapping both Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer to drive cars. Creed will drive the No. 00 car, while Mayer will drive the No. 41. Both cars are Ford Mustang Dark Horses.

The team is using the No. 41 in the Xfinity Series in place of the No. 98 car it inherits from Stewart-Haas Racing. The number change will help the team better align between the different levels of NASCAR, as Cole Custer is set to drive the No. 41 car in the Cup Series for Haas Factory Team.

“We’ve developed a strong and consistent Xfinity Series program at Stewart-Haas that wins races and championships,” president of Haas Factory Team Joe Custer said in a press release on NASCAR.com. “In 2025, that program will operate as Haas Factory Team. The name is changing, but our commitment to winning remains the same.

“Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer have won championships on their way to the Xfinity Series and they’re both hungry to win races and compete for an Xfinity Series title. They bring significant experience and a shared desire to win. Having them a part of Haas Factory Team allows us to operate at a high level and collect trophies.”