What’s Happening?
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at World Technology Raceway (aka Gateway) has been delayed due to weather. The rain moved in about an hour before the scheduled start time of 1:30 PM eastern. Despite a brief few moments when the clouds parted the sun shone down on the track, it started raining again meaning that race could be in jeopardy of running into the start time of this afternoon’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Portland.
- First thing’s first, there is no concrete plan at this time as to what we’re going to do if the rain continues. It has been floated that if the truck race could not start on time that it would postponed until tonight, if the weather breaks. Nothing is official yet, however. We will be providing updates to this story as they become available and an official call is announced.
- It has been a rough couple of weeks for NASCAR when it comes to Mother Nature. Last week, the rain in both Indianapolis and Charlotte squandered Kyle Larson’s double attempt and we’re starting off on the wrong foot again here this weekend.
- Of course, this set of circumstances is far from ideal when it comes to NASCAR fans. Last weekend was a miserable set of circumstances for fans of Indycar, NASCAR, and Kyle Larson and the nightmare seems to be continuing this weekend at Gateway.
The start of today's #Toyota200 has been delayed due to weather.
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) June 1, 2024
Stay tuned to FOX for updates from @WWTRaceway. pic.twitter.com/OrOr7ORmSK
We will provide an update once an official plan is put into place by NASCAR. Stay tuned!
UPDATES
UPDATE: After a lengthy stint of track drying, it appears that the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Gateway is a go. According to Bob Pockrass, the invocation is now slated to take place at 3:22 with the command to fire engines to come shortly thereafter. Pockrass also reported that the rain cell to the west of the track seems to be weakening so there could be no more delays.
Trucks on grid. Invocation set for 3:22p ET 2:22p CT here at WWTR Gateway. The cell appears weakening near us so hopefully no more delays. pic.twitter.com/fIHp7hmchv
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 1, 2024
Just as all of our hopes got up, the rain moved in yet again and NASCAR lost the track. The trucks were covered up and the scheduled start time has been pushed back even further.
Getting a little rain here. Should be quick but likely going to require more track drying. pic.twitter.com/LV5Yg82MJp
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 1, 2024
Trucks covered here on pit road. pic.twitter.com/gcdcp2Pty6
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 1, 2024
UPDATE from Bob Pockrass: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race is now scheduled to move over to FS2 with coverage starting at 4 PM EST. The command to start engines is now slated for 4:15 PM.
Command to start engines for trucks now 4:15p ET (3:15p CT) here at WWTR Gateway. It will air on FS2 and the FOX Sports app … Xfinity prerace (4p ET) and race (4:46p ET green flag) from Portland will remain on FS1 and the FOX Sports app.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 1, 2024
Around The Garage
Though the rain is putting a damper on the on track action in Gateway, that doesn’t mean the fun has entirely ceased. During an interview with Christian Eckes, the driver of the No. 19 Chevy showed off this barbecued alligator being served up in the garage area. Check it out!
Proof you can wrap ๐๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐ in bacon. Even an alligator. ๐๐ณ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/qnuD6YEJOu
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 1, 2024
From The Pressbox
Bob Pockrass reported that the rain has started once again at Gateway. It is to be determined if both the Xfinity and Truck races will be run at the same time or if the Truck race will be postponed until after the Xfinity Series event. But you can get a glimpse of all the rain in the area on the radar Pockrass posted.
Starting to rain here again at Gateway. Hope this passes through, get dry and then start. TBA on broadcast if track gets dry and Xfinity and truck possibly run at same time. pic.twitter.com/FvUBHjvpxS
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 1, 2024
Conclusion
Mother Nature and NASCAR have been relatively easy on one another for much of the 2024 season across all four series. That said, the last two weeks have just been a slog to get through. We here at the Daily Downforce will update this story when an official word is announced.