Storm system that slammed into California on Friday will spread showers and even thunderstorms across Phoenix on Saturday. With rain a certainty, will NASCAR see any on track action today?
The same storm system that brought heavy rains and thunderstorms to southern California on Friday will be the same system that brings rain and thunderstorms to Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday. Rain is a threat all day as moist, gusty southwesterly winds continue to provide moisture over the region.
WILL SPRINT CUP AND NATIONWIDE ACTIVITIES BE WASHED OUT SATURDAY:
I anticipate seeing off and on rain showers and even thunderstorms all day across Phoenix. The odds of seeing any on track activity seems to be around 10 to 15 percent. Rain and storms should move across the area in waves. Because the rain will be on and then off again, maybe there is a window where track crews and Air Titan can get the track dry but I don't feel confident that there is a big enough window to get everything done.
IF EVERYTHING IS WASHED OUT, CAN THEY RACE THE NATIONWIDE RACE SATURDAY NIGHT?
Phoenix International Raceway has lights, and NASCAR brought the Air Titan with them, the forecast continues to show the threat of rain going into the late afternoon and evening. After 6 p.m. MT (8 p.m. ET) the threat of rain appears to diminish slightly but the threat continues late into the evening and overnight into early Sunday morning. The odds of racing the Nationwide race tonight is around 30 percent.
NASCAR power rankings
The NASCAR power rankings makes its 2014 debut and despite his win at the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not ranked No. 1.SUNDAY'S WEATHER FORECAST:
Rain is expected to move out of the area early Sunday morning, with morning clouds giving way to afternoon sunshine, While Sunday will be mostly dry, there is a small chance that a few isolated pop-up showers could form during the afternoon. While one of these showers could hit the track, the likelihood is very low. The odds of having a rain shower hit Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday is around 15 percent.
With another weekend with rain in the forecast, follow me on Twitter @NASCAR_WXMAN and like me on Facebook for the latest Weather updates through out the weekend.
Conditions in Phoenix, AZ:Click here for Current Weather Conditions | Look at Doppler Radar | Mobile Friendly Site | Mobile Radar
SATURDAY:
11:00 a.m ET
Sprint Cup Series practice – Showers and possible thunderstorm – temp: 59
12:10 p.m ET
Nationwide Series qualifying – Showers and possible thunderstorm – temp: 60
2:00 p.m ET
Sprint Cup Series Final practice – Showers and possible thunderstorm – temp: 62
3:45 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Showers and possible thunderstorm – temp: 65
5:30 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Showers and possible thunderstorm – temp: 68
6:30 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Showers and possible thunderstorm – temp: 68
7:30 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Showers and possible thunderstorm – temp: 66
8:30 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Cloudy, chance of shower/storm – temp: 64
9:30 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Cloudy, chance of shower/storm – temp: 63
10:30 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Cloudy, chance of shower/storm – temp: 60
11:30 p.m ET
Nationwide Series race – Cloudy, chance of shower/storm – temp: 60
Disguised Jeff Gordon gets his revenge
An undercover Jeff Gordon pulled a prank on a reporter who questioned the validity of a stunt Gordon participated in last year.SUNDAY:
1 p.m ET
Sprint Cup pre-race – Sun and clouds – temp: 60
2 p.m ET
Sprint Cup pre-race – Sun and clouds, chc, of an isolated shower – temp: 63
3 p.m ET
Sprint Cup race – Sun and clouds, chc, of an isolated shower – temp: 65
4 p.m ET
Sprint Cup race – Partly sunny, chc, of an isolated shower – temp: 68
5 p.m ET
Sprint Cup race – Partly sunny, chc, of an isolated shower – temp: 71
6 p.m ET
Sprint Cup race – Partly sunny, chc, of an isolated shower – temp: 70