NASCAR UPDATE: Xfinity Race Rescheduled Due to Rain; Moved After the Daytona 500

It seems that NASCAR simply cannot catch a break, thanks to the weather. The latest news is that inclement weather has forced the postponement of the United Rentals 300 race in the Xfinity Series. Initially, it was supposed to kick off before the Cup cars tackle the Daytona 500. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas. So instead, the race will be held an hour after the Daytona 500.

In essence, the Daytona 500 will remain at its 4:00 PM ET time slot. However, the Xfinity Series race will get underway at 9:00 PM ET. This is the second time that the race has been rescheduled, and hopefully, it will be the last. Pole-sitter Jesse Love will be anxious to get the race underway and try to win his first race in the NASCAR arena.

How much has rain affected NASCAR this season?

Of late, NASCAR has been having rotten luck with the weather. An August 2023 tweet revealed that 17 out of 25 races have been adversely impacted by the rain. Unfortunately, it is looking like that trend is going to continue, this year as well. A couple of weeks ago at the LA Coliseum, there was a rain shower that impacted the race weekend. As a matter of fact, the Busch Light Clash at the COliseum was brought forward by a full day to avoid a massive rain storm.

Now for the second race weekend in a row, rain has played spoilsport in NASCAR. At least the ARCA Series and the Truck Series were lucky enough to escape and run in dry conditions. In hindsight though, considering the mess created in both races, no onw would have minded if those races were rained out.

How will this delay impact everyone in the NASCAR community?

Truthfully speaking, it would not be a nice feeling to have to have a long wait to get some racing action. Fans were already excited to get a double taste of NASCAR Xfinity and then Cup Series action. This is like having an appetiser, followed by the main course, but the schedule change throws things off. At least they will be glad that they will not have to wait long for the Xfinity Series race to begin.

The down side is that, with the main event done and dusted, people’s interest could potentially wane. Additionally, some of the Cup Series drivers are pulling double duty. Among them are Daniel Suarez, who is piloting the #114 car, and Anthony Alfredo, in the #5 car. They will be part of a 38-car strong grid, that also includes Natalie Decker, Hailie Deega, Shane van Gisbergen and Frankie Muniz.