All three NASCAR National Series are headed to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for the track’s traditional Memorial Day weekend. Whether you are at the track or home, what does the forecast look like for this weekend in Concord, North Carolina?
Charlotte Motor Speedway has been a staple of the NASCAR schedule since its opening in 1960. The 1.5-mile oval is unique as it also contains a 2.32-mile road course called the Roval. The oval gets its race date in the spring, while the Roval takes on those duties in the fall.
Charlotte has hosted races since its opening in 1960, and the Cup Series has hosted two races a year at the track ever since. Since its 1982 debut at Charlotte, the Xfinity Series has also hosted two races a year; however, this is the first time the Trucks will host two races a year, as the series adds the Roval to its fall schedule.
The weather at Charlotte has been mild historically. However, in back-to-back seasons, the Coca-Cola 600 has either been delayed or ended early due to weather.
Weekend Weather Forecast via the National Weather Service (All Listed Times EST)
Friday, May 23: Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on FS1 [TV] & NASCAR Radio Network [Radio] – 8:30 PM
Before the Race (3:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Temperature: High of 73°F at 4:00 PM through 5:00 PM
Precipitation: 5% Chance From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Wind: 9 to 10 mph, Gusts of 20 mph
During the Race (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Temperature: High of 70°F at 8:00 PM
Precipitation: 2% Chance From 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Wind: 6 to 5 mph
After the Race (11:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
Temperature: High of 59°F at 11:00 PM
Precipitation: 2% Chance From 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Wind: 5 mph
Saturday, May 24: Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 on the CW [TV] & PRN [Radio] – 4:30 PM
Before the Race (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Temperature: High of 75°F at 4:00 PM
Precipitation: 4–5% Chance From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wind: 5 to 6 mph
During the Race (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Temperature: High of 75°F at 5:00 PM
Precipitation: 8% Chance From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Wind: 6 mph
After the Race (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Temperature: High of 70°F at 8:00 PM
Precipitation: 9% Chance From 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wind: 3 mph
Sunday, May 25: Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on Prime Video [TV] & PRN [Radio] – 6:00 PM
Before the Race (1:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Temperature: High of 75°F at 4:00 PM
Precipitation: 14–18% Chance From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wind: 5 to 6 mph
During the Race (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Temperature: High of 73°F at 6:00 PM
Precipitation: 18% Chance From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wind: 5 mph
After the Race (10:00 PM – Midnight)
Temperature: High of 66°F at 11:00 PM
Precipitation: 18% Chance From 10:00 PM to Midnight
Wind: 2 to 3 mph
Recent Weather Events at Charlotte Motor Speedway
2024 – An Early End
In 2023, the Coca-Cola 600 was pushed to Monday due to poor weather. In 2024, major showers along the East Coast heavily affected the race and proved to be the deciding factor in a race cut short. That day, second-year Cup Series racer Ty Gibbs sat on the pole, while teammate Christopher Bell looked to have the best car during the early portions of the race.
Just over halfway through the race, 250 Laps in, Bell was the leader of the 2024 Coca-Cola 600 when NASCAR threw the final caution flag. As the rain came down, Kyle Larson, fresh from the Indianapolis 500, sat in the pits awaiting his chance to take over the No. 5. But, despite the end of the rain, NASCAR called the race due to high humidity, much to the displeasure of fans.
Note: This article will be updated with a more accurate and detailed forecast as the race weekend nears.
