This weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series might be seeing a slight delay as hopes and prayers are on for it not to get canceled or postponed ultimately. The early afternoon hours have seen intermittent showers and thunderstorms across the Pocono Mountains plateau, leading to lightning alerts and a temporary hold on race activities. Track officials have closed the gates and instructed attendees to shelter in their vehicles while lightning lingers nearby, emphasizing safety above all. With no lighting infrastructure and no rain tires available at Pocono, NASCAR officials need a substantial window of dry weather to resume the event. Critical forecasts suggest the rain must stop by approximately 3:00 p.m. ET to even consider a start today.
Meanwhile, aggressively track-drying operations are underway. Jet dryers are actively removing standing water, and pit road and fan-access areas are being prepared for reopening once conditions permit. Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports noted that, without lights at the venue, Pocono must finish racing before sunset, around 8:39 p.m. ET, adding pressure to both weather delays and drying efficiency. He wrote on X, “No lights and no rain tires for Pocono. Would think rain would have to stop by 3ish to be able to race so still a little early to tell depending on what/if anything builds behind this.”
No lights and no rain tires for Pocono. Would think rain would have to stop by 3ish to be able to race so still a little early to tell depending on what/if anything builds behind this. pic.twitter.com/vOs82he5ye
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 22, 2025
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to clear by mid-afternoon. Models predict scattered storms will taper off near 2 p.m., improving visibility and track drying prospects. However, High Heat Advisory remains in effect for early this week, and rapid weather shifts typical of Pocono’s altitude could bring unexpected showers back later, meaning today’s window will be crucial. “Lights should be a requirement for any track that has a Cup race. This is a multi billion dollar industry,” one fan commented.
Overall, the combination of real-time radar updates, safety protocols for lightning, strong drying efforts, and a limited daylight window will determine if the Cup feature can proceed as scheduled. “Not good. NASCAR will rush to get 50% of laps, even if it is mostly under yellow, to call it an official race,” wrote another. NASCAR and Pocono officials are monitoring conditions closely, with backup plans, including a possible Monday continuation, on standby should today’s weather prove too volatile.
This is a developing story.
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