NASCAR faces a weather curveball as thunderstorms loom over Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. Forecasts shifted Thursday, with a 100% chance of rain Friday afternoon threatening practice and qualifying sessions for the Xfinity and Truck Series.
While Sunday’s Würth 400 Cup Series race remains unscathed, teams brace for a shuffled schedule. The sudden pivot follows a dry weekend at Talladega, testing NASCAR’s adaptability at the 1.5-mile Fort Worth oval.
Updated Forecast Threatens Practice, Qualifying Sessions
Meteorologists predict thunderstorms will drench the track Friday afternoon, with temperatures peaking at 74°F and winds gusting up to 20 mph. The deluge could force NASCAR to reschedule Xfinity Series practice (5 p.m. ET) and qualifying (6:05 p.m. ET), along with Truck Series setup time ahead of their 8 p.m. ET SpeedyCash.com 250.
“Thought this might slip north of track, but looks like will get more rain,” veteran reporter Bob Pockrass posted on X just a while ago. The Truck Series race, however, is expected to proceed post-storm as skies clear Friday night.
Thought this might slip north of track but looks like will get more rain. pic.twitter.com/mwuMksOdAi
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 2, 2025
Saturday’s forecast offers little respite. Overcast skies and a 60% chance of rain could disrupt Cup Series practice (11 a.m. ET) and qualifying (12:10 p.m. ET). The Xfinity Series’ Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 (2 p.m. ET) may face delays, though Sunday’s Cup race enjoys a zero percent rain probability and a 79°F high.
NASCAR Ready to Adjust Schedule Amid Weather Uncertainty
Series officials are prioritizing the Würth 400, which remains untouched for Sunday afternoon. Contingency plans include adjusting practice formats or setting lineups via metrics if qualifying is scrapped, a familiar scenario for teams accustomed to weather chaos.
The Truck Series’ Friday night race is a litmus test for track drying efficiency. Texas Motor Speedway’s staff, equipped with Air Titans and jet dryers, aims to minimize downtime. Fans should be prepared for sudden weather changes and are advised to monitor official updates.
The 1.5-mile oval’s abrasive surface and 20-24° banking demand precision, making practice critical. Without it, teams may lean on simulation data and past notes. For rookies and veterans alike, Sunday’s 267-lap duel could become a high-stakes guessing game.
As radar maps flicker with red and yellow blotches, NASCAR’s resilience is put to the test. Will the storms steal the spotlight, or will crews outrun the rain? The green flag drops on answers this weekend.