What’s Happening?
This weekend, NASCAR will make its annual stop at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover Downs, Delaware. Inclement weather has plagued this track in the past. What we have heading into this weekend is yet another iffy race weekend, with high temperatures, high humidity, and, yes, some scattered showers throughout the weekend.
- In terms of weather, Friday seems to be the worst day, with thunderstorms projected late in the afternoon and evening. This could put a damper on festivities, especially when it comes to the ARCA Menards Series race.
- Saturday, things look a little clearer as of now. There’s a small chance of rain late in the afternoon. However, things look clear at the moment for practice, qualifying, and the Xfinity Series race.
- Rain showers are set to move back in on Sunday and last most of the day. The fact that this light does not have lights means that there is even a slimmer window NASCAR has to get these races in.
Weekend Weather Forecast via the National Weather Service (All Listed Times MT)
Friday, July 18: ARCA Race
***All Times Eastern Standard Time***
Before the Race (2 PM-5 PM)
- Temperature: High of 87°F at 2 PM
- Precipitation: 20% Chance
- Wind: 8 MPH
During the Race (5 PM-7 PM)
- Temperature: High of 86°F at 5 PM
- Precipitation: 50% Chance
- Wind: 7 MPH
After the Race (7 PM-Midnight)
- Temperature: Low of 77°F at 8 PM
- Precipitation: 55% Chance
- Wind: 5 MPH
Saturday, July 19: Xfinity Series Practice/Qualifying on the CW App, Cup Series Practice/Qualifying on TruTV, Xfinity Series Bet Rivers 200 on the CW (TV) & PRN (Radio)
Before the Race (11 AM-4 PM)
- Temperature: High of 84°F at 3 PM
- Precipitation: 15% Chance
- Wind: 3 MPH
During the Race (4:30 PM-7 PM)
- Temperature: High of 83°F at 5 PM
- Precipitation: 15% Chance
- Wind: 0 MPH
After the Race (7 PM-Midnight)
- Temperature: Low of 76°F at 11 PM
- Precipitation: 20% Chance
- Wind: 3 MPH
Sunday, July 20: NASCAR Cup Series AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on TNT (TV), TruTV (Altcast), and PRN (Radio)
Before the Race (11 AM-2 PM)
- Temperature: High of 82°F at 11 AM
- Precipitation: 20% Chance
- Wind: 6 MPH
During the Race (2 PM-5 PM)
- Temperature: High of 85°F at 2 PM
- Precipitation: 25% Chance
- Wind: 5 MPH
After the Race (5 PM-Midnight)
- Temperature: Low of 79°F at 8 PM
- Precipitation: 25% Chance
- Wind: 7 MPH
Recent Weather Events at Dover
Dover, DE is one of those areas where NASCAR has struggled to get Mother Nature to cooperate. Most recently, in 2022 and 2023, rain cut the races short at their scheduled times on Sunday. Therefore, both were postponed to the following Monday. Rain also affected the races in both 2019 and 2018.
This article will be updated as more information is gathered throughout the week.
