What’s Happening?

While the Xfinity Series heads to Portland International Raceway, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Cup Series head to Darlington Raceway. Whether you are at the track or home, what does the forecast look like for this weekend in Darlington, SC?

• Darlington Raceway is one of NASCAR’s oldest venues, having hosted its top division since 1950. Alongside its unique racing, Darlington is also known for its equally distinctive “egg shape” with a longer, sweeping turn one and two, and a shorter turn three and four.
• The NASCAR Cup Series raced at Darlington twice a season in 1952, then from 1960 to 2005. The track hosted NASCAR’s top division three times in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and officially gained a second date again in 2021. The Truck Series only raced at Darlington twice in a single season, once in its history in 2021.
• Darlington has a hit-or-miss history with weather, with the track ending up lucky most of the time, though it has had races ended early by rain.

Weekend Weather Forecast via the National Weather Service (All Listed Times EST)

Friday, Jul. 25: Truck Series Practice and Qualifying on FS2 – 3:05 PM

Before the On-Track Action 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Temperature: High of 80°F at 3:00 PM
• Precipitation: 35% Chance From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• Wind: 3 to 5 mph

During the On-Track Action 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Temperature: High of 80°F at 3:00 PM
• Precipitation: 38% Chance From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Wind: 5 mph

After the On-Track Action 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Temperature: High of 77°F at 6:00 PM
• Precipitation: 38% Chance From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Wind: 3 to 5 mph

Saturday, Jul. 26: Truck Series Sober or Slammer 200 on FS1 [TV] & MRN [Radio] 12:00 PM

Before the Race (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 75°F at 11:00 AM
• Precipitation: 3% Chance From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Wind: 5 to 6 mph

During the Race (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 82°F at 3:00 PM
• Precipitation: 3% Chance From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Wind: 6 to 7 mph

After the Race (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 82°F at 4:00 PM
• Precipitation: 9% Chance From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Wind: 5 to 7 mph

Sunday, Aug. 31: Cup Series Southern 500 on USA [TV] & MRN [Radio] – 6:00 PM

During the Race (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 80°F at 3:00 PM
• Precipitation: 21% Chance From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Wind: 9 mph

After the Race (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 78°F at 6:00 PM
• Precipitation: 21% Chance From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Wind: 9 to 6 mph

Post-Race (10:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 71°F at 10:00 PM
• Precipitation: 16% Chance From 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Wind: 6 mph

Recent Weather Events at Darlington Raceway

2020 – NASCAR’s Return Sees an Early Finish

On May 20, 2020, NASCAR was attempting only its second race since Mar. 8, due to the major schedule shift caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This race, the Toyota 500, was also the second NASCAR Cup Series race that week, taking place on a Wednesday after the first race, won by Kevin Harvick, on Sunday.

Wednesday’s race saw a strong performance from Stewart-Haas Racing’s Clint Bowyer, who led a race high 71 laps. Unfortunately, Bowyer would not win this race, as Denny Hamlin would be in front when the rain caused the race to stop at lap 208, with Hamlin being crowned the winner shortly after.

Note: This article will be updated with a more accurate and detailed forecast as the race weekend nears.