NASCAR Chicago: Grant Park 220 delayed, Xfinity Series race called due to rain
NASCAR’s marquee Chicago race, the Grant Park 220, will start at around 5:15 p.m., hours after the weekend’s Xfinity Series race was called due to an ongoing flash flood warning in the area.
With the heavy rain finally letting up before 5 p.m. CT, the cars have hit the road, the drivers are getting ready to join them and the action appears ready to start soon.
UPDATE: Drivers have been called to their cars at #NASCARChicago.
NASCAR is targeting a start time of 5:15 PM CT. (📺: NBC) pic.twitter.com/7l9Lpxr3CV — NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend (@NASCARChicago) July 2, 2023
NASCAR’s decision to push back the Cup Series race from its planned 4:05 p.m. start time came minutes after the National Weather Service sent another emergency alert regarding the “life-threatening” flash flood warning.
There were audible groans in the media room as phones buzzed with the alert just before 4 p.m. local time, the Sun-Times’ Ellery Jones said.
Cole Custer won the earlier race, The Loop 121, by leading with 25 of 55 completed when a red flag was dropped Saturday due to lightning. NASCAR announced Sunday that those results were considered final.
“I was honestly shocked we didn’t wreck more cars.” Custer told NBC during the delay Saturday. “Hats off to the field so far.”
Related Check out our live blog for the latest NASCAR Chicago Street Race updates
The calling of the Xfinity race Sunday came after hours of stalling in the hopes of getting it in before the marquee Grant Park 220. However, with rain hitting Chicago throughout the day and a flash flood warning in effect, crews were unable to get the downtown track into racing condition in time.
The related outdoor concerts set for Sunday, including Charley Crockett and Miranda Lambert, were also cancelled.
Earlier Sunday, NASCAR said it was in a “holding pattern” due to standing water on the course. The race was paused Saturday because of lightning.
The National Weather Service extended a flash flood warning for Cook County, which includes Chicago, and surrounding areas until 6:30 p.m. CT
In an emergency push alert, NWS warned:
“This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
