It’s the last leg of NASCAR’s 2025 West Coast Swing as all three National Series head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a triple-header weekend. NASCAR has had good luck with the western weather this season, but how will the weather be in the Nevada desert this weekend?
Since its opening in 1996, at least one of the three NASCAR National Series has raced at Las Vegas Motor Speedway every season. The Truck Series debuted in 1996, followed by the Xfinity Series in 1997, and finally the Cup Series in 1998.
Las Vegas has also served as a double date for all three series at one point. The Xfinity and Cup Series have raced twice a year in Las Vegas since 2018. Yet, the only Truck Series double date in Vegas was in 2021.
NASCAR’s West Coast Swing typically has a decent track record for weather. Of all the tracks that are usually a part of this stretch, Las Vegas may have the best track record of good weather race weekends.
Saturday, March 15: The LiUNA! on the CW – 1:30 PM
Before the Race (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Temperature: 61°F at 1:00 PM
Precipitation: 0% Throughout the Day
Wind: 5 to 6 mph
During the Race (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Temperature: 65°F from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Precipitation: 0% Throughout the Day
Wind: 6 to 9 mph
After the Race (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Temperature: 65°F at 5:00 PM
Precipitation: 0% Throughout the Day
Wind: 7 to 9 mph
Sunday, March 16: Pennzoil 400 on FS1 – 12:30 PM
Before the Race (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Temperature: 64°F at 12:00 PM
Precipitation: 3% Chance From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wind: 9 to 16 mph, Gusts Up to 24 mph
During the Race (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Temperature: 71°F at 4:00 PM
Precipitation: 3% to 5% Chance
Wind: 16 to 20 mph, Gusts Up to 28 mph
After the Race (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Temperature: 70°F at 5:00 PM
Precipitation: 5% Chance Throughout the Evening
Wind: 15 to 20 mph, Gusts Up to 28 mph
Recent Weather Events at Las Vegas: the Sandstorm of 2016
The last time bad weather struck Las Vegas Motor Speedway on race day was the 2016 KOBALT 400. This was perhaps the windiest day in recent NASCAR history, as storm clouds loomed over a pack LVMS. As the wind continued to grow throughout the race, a sandstorm blew over the speedway.
Despite the weather, NASCAR completed all 267 laps as scheduled. Multiple drivers had decent days leading multiple laps that afternoon, but it was Brad Keselowski, who led just 24 laps, who walked away with the win. This was Brad’s second career win at LVMS, a track he has won at one more time since.
Note: This article will be updated with a more accurate and detailed forecast as the race weekend nears.
