After an unlikely dry spell, Mother Nature is preparing to greet NASCAR yet again. Remember the countless times the rain played spoilsport with race timings? Of course, you would, courtesy of Kyle Larson’s much-anticipated double attempt that ended in a drenched heartbreak. Now thunderclouds are hovering over Virginia as well, where NASCAR is scheduled for its second appearance.

The second races at Richmond Raceway would be flagged off after a long Olympic break. The drivers may have enjoyed a long period of relaxation, but the weather gods have other plans in store, bringing forth unpredictable weather conditions.

Stormy feelings at Richmond Raceway

We all know the consequences of extreme rainfall on NASCAR tracks. After the Indy 500 race was delayed by 4 hours, Kyle Larson missed out on his Coca-Cola 600 start. Then the slippery conditions in a rain-washed Chicago Street Race saw even road course aces like Shane van Gisbergen losing his grip. But there is a sunny side that Cup Series racers can look forward to. The tropical storm set to afflict Richmond Raceway will only torment the lower two tiers of NASCAR.

According to RaceWeather, the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, a hurricane, are forecasted to hit the track only on Friday and Saturday. On both these days, Debby and an upper-level trough will move around Virginia, causing widespread thunderstorms. So the Craftsman Truck and the Xfinity races are slated for rain delays at Richmond Raceway. “Over Friday & Saturday, some areas could see over 4 inches of rainfall, leading to flooding risks for the area.” 

However, the Cup Series race, the Federated Auto Parts 400, has a brighter fortune at hand. RaceWeather updated Sunday’s weather forecast: “On Sunday, the remnants of Debby should move off to the Northeast, bringing clear skies.” This rivals the 2008 Richmond race, which marked a grim milestone for NASCAR. Before then, Richmond Raceway sold out 33 consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races. Then the Great Recession hit along with Tropical Storm Hanna, which dropped audience numbers. The 2024 schedule is different, at least for the Cup Series.

This should bring sighs of relief to drivers, for whom the 0.75 miles, D-shaped, asphalt race track is already a challenge on its own. Richmond Raceway’s unique D-shape allows racers to achieve high speeds. This coupled with racing grooves offers a proclivity for contact and thereby steamy conflicts. However, Ross Chastain’s unique paint scheme should be enough to induce some laughs.

Driving in his briefs?

Ross Chastain has seen a woeful streak for the past few races. He suffered two DNFs in two of three races, finishing outside the top 20 before Indianapolis. Now he stands in real danger of missing the post-season entirely, with a projected 51.26% chance of having a shot at the Bill France Cup. But the Trackhouse Racing driver has his ways of cheering himself up. Chastain tried his hand at IMSA the past weekend and now is ready to sport a special paint scheme for Richmond Raceway. Designed by his sponsor Jockey, it is sure to tickle his peers as well.

On either side of the No. 1 Chevy’s doors, you can see a man driving in nothing but some cool Jockey briefs. Chastain himself bubbled with excitement over showing off his new, hilarious ride. “I love this unique collaboration with Jockey. The new paint scheme is a cheeky way to showcase the incredible comfort of Jockey Infinite Cool underwear. Racing in the summer heat can be intense, and knowing I’ve got the best cooling gear on makes all the difference. I can’t wait to hit the track and see the fans’ reactions.”

Thus Chastain is all set to bring a slice of sunshine on a gloomy NASCAR weekend. Although rain is excusing the Cup race, NASCAR’s lower two tiers are gearing up for a damp affair.