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NASCAR insider gives update on timeline for FireKeepers Casino 400 amid rainy conditions

Nick Profile Picby: Nick Geddes08/18/24NickGeddesNews
NASCAR
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

The start of Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway is currently on hold due to rain.

Taking a look at the radar, it appears that the cell which came through as drivers were already on the track isn’t the only one expected to pass through. Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports provided an update on where things stand concerning a possible start time and the possibility of completing all 200 laps Sunday.

“Just started raining again,” Pockrass tweeted. “Drying equipment shut down. How long this cell stays at the track will determine things. I’d think it has to be over by 4:30 to have a chance today. Unless NASCAR willing to start race knowing it couldn’t go full distance.”

NASCAR facing weather challenges at Michigan

Dryers have since gotten back on the track as the rain has lightened up. NASCAR is on the clock to make a decision as Michigan is one of the tracks which doesn’t have lights. While there is no official darkness cutoff, Saturday’s Xfinity Series race had an 8:20 p.m. ET cutoff, and it is expected that will be the same Sunday.

The biggest problem, however, as NASCAR attempts to get the race in or at least enough to where it becomes official, is that the showers are spread apart. While there is some dry weather following this most recent cell, another line of showers awaits behind it, according to RaceWeather.

When the green flag does wave at Michigan, it’ll be Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick leading the field. Hamlin was awarded the pole after Saturday’s qualifying session was — you guessed it — canceled because of rain.

Hamlin, looking for win No. 4 this season, has tallied five straight top 5s at Michigan.