What’s Happening?

The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series head to Richmond Raceway this weekend for the traditional spring race at the track. With springtime now upon us, rain is often a factor in race weekends this time of the year. What does Mother Nature have in store for Richmond this weekend?

• Despite its’ springtime date, Richmond Raceway has been largely untouched by rain delays and postponements throughout the past decade. Since 2014, only one race has been impacted by rain, and that was a postponement in 2015.
• NASCAR held their first race at Richmond in 1953, and they have raced at the track every year since 1955, including two races every season since 1959. Originally a 0.542-mile bullring, the track was reconfigured in 1988 into the modern 0.75-mile D-shaped oval we know today.
• Fans are excited to see the Cup Series back on track at Richmond. The weather has not dampened spirits at the track much in recent years.

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Weekend Forecast via National Weather Service

Friday, March 29: Whelen Modified Tour Virginia is for Racing Lovers 150 (6:30 PM ET)

• Forecast: Mostly Clear
• Temperature: High 61°F, Dropping Mid-Low 50s°F after sunset
• Rain: 0%
• Wind: NW 8-10 MPH (Winds calming down as the night progresses)

Saturday, March 30: Xfinity Series Toyotacare 250 (1:30 PM ET)

• Forecast: Partly Sunny with a Slight Chance of Showers after 2 PM.
• Temperature: High 70°F
• Rain: 8%
• Wind: SW 11-13 MPH; Gusting to 20-22 MPH

Sunday, March 31: Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 (7:00 PM ET)

• Forecast: Chance of Showers, Mainly after 8 PM
• Temperature: High 70°F; Dropping to Low 60s°F by race end
• Rain: 19-30%
• Wind: SE to E 6 MPH

Richmond Raceway Weather History

The lone weather-impacted race of the last 10 seasons came in 2015. The spring race was postponed from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon, and Kurt Busch went on to win. This started a trend of Richmond races, traditionally held on Saturday night, moving to Sunday afternoon.

Richmond has also had races impacted by hurricane forecasts. In 2008, the fall race at Richmond was delayed from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon due to Hurricane Hanna. A sunny Sunday afternoon awaited the stars of NASCAR as Jimmie Johnson won the regular season finale over Tony Stewart

This article will be updated as the week progresses and the forecast changes.