The Cookout 400 race that is set to get the NASCAR Cup Series rolling back this weekend finds itself in a spot of trouble with Hurricane Debby. The category 1 storm is moving up the coast, and the initial impacts have been felt across Florida and Georgia. The storm is expected to hit Virginia this Friday, and it looks like NASCAR is already bracing for an impact with a few changes to its schedule of events.

NASCAR Cup Series events have been mired by adverse weather conditions right from the start of the season. Even marquee events like the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 had to face the brunt of it. However, despite the threat of a storm trying to foil this weekend’s plan at Richmond, NASCAR is optimistic about keeping the racing schedule unchanged for the time being.

The weather seems to be at odds with NASCAR

NASCAR has a history of dealing with rain in the past; either a red flag followed by a brief stoppage or rescheduling the race are the options that they cater to. However, dealing with the storm can be an arduous task, given that the safety of the fan can be compromised if things go south with the weather changing its course.

For that very reason, Richmond Raceway has been proactive in communicating with the fans regarding the situation of the race weekend. While there is a looming threat of a washout, the two days of racing action remain on schedule. But the pre-race events followed by the race finish party have been called off.

“EVENT UPDATE: Due to the projected impact of Tropical Storm Debby, Friday’s Finish Line Party presented by presented by Richmond Raceway & @RTDNEWS at @QuirkHotel has been canceled. Everything else remains on schedule for two great nights of racing at Richmond Raceway.” Richmond Raceway shared this via its X handle.

Given the inclement climatic conditions, there is a possibility of rain showers that could hamper the racing action at the 0.750-mile short track. But NASCAR has brought in sets of wet-weather tires to counter this scare. This time around, the teams will be able to make a strategic call, unlike the race at New Hampshire, where NASCAR controlled the selection of tires.

NASCAR finally handed the reins to the team in calling the races

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Rains are tricky for NASCAR to deal with, as they historically have opted not to race in wet conditions. However, the 2024 season has proved to be a game-changer as wet-weather tires have been put to use. They were first used to kick off the spring race at Richmond and then used to close out an event at New Hampshire, something NASCAR wasn’t capable of before.

But during the New Hampshire race, the teams and crew chiefs weren’t allowed to choose a tire compound. Rather, NASCAR called the shots and even flagged competition caution for teams to get their tires. This didn’t make any sense as there was no option to win the pit road race and gain track position, and drivers weren’t allowed to put on new sets of tires.

However, things are changing for the better, as NASCAR has announced that teams will be allowed to change wet-weather tires at their discretion during a natural caution. But NASCAR will still dictate when to go from rain tires to slicks. In short, all drivers will either remain on slicks or on rain-tires and NASCAR will mandate a change in tire compound.

The tire talk at Richmond Raceway is going to be plentiful, as the option tire from the All-Star race is thrown into the mix as well. It will be quite an entertaining watch to see the teams run with different strategies this weekend.