The USA Today 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway faced significant weather disruptions, causing multiple schedule changes and race interruptions. Originally planned for a later start, the race was moved forward to 2:06 p.m. on Sunday, June 23rd, due to predicted bad weather.
Despite the earlier start, heavy rain and lightning forced a red flag. Track officials and NASCAR worked tirelessly to dry the track and ensure everyone’s safety. Regular updates kept fans and drivers informed about the race status and estimated restart times. Fans were advised to seek shelter during severe weather.
The red flag was lifted several times, allowing for brief racing periods before further weather interruptions. Drying equipment was used, and drivers were told to return to their cars, ready to restart. The green flag eventually waved, and the race was completed.
Saturday’s events were also affected, with the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying cancelled. The starting lineup for Sunday’s race was determined by the rulebook. The SciAps 200, a NASCAR Xfinity Series race, was also brought forward 30 minutes to a 3:06 p.m. ET start. The Mohegan Sun 100, a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race, was rescheduled to 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Other scheduled events, including practice sessions, driver introductions, concerts, and fan activities, were also impacted. Some were cancelled, while others were rescheduled or modified. Even Thursday’s events, like Laps for Charity and Family Movie Night, were cancelled due to the weather. Tram services were also temporarily suspended.
New Hampshire Motor Speedway provided continuous updates throughout the weekend via their website and social media, keeping fans informed about schedule changes and race conditions. These updates were crucial for attendees navigating the changing schedule and weather.