Talladega Weather Update: Cup Series’ Geico 500 Schedule Overcast With Dark Clouds Despite Improved Forecast

NASCAR has been unlucky since the start of the season, with a downpour of rain affecting its major races. We had a rescheduled Clash event at Coliseum and a postponed race at Daytona International Speedway. And going by the current weather forecast, tomorrow’s GEICO 500 race at Talladega might suffer a similar fate.

The initial forecast predicted a 50% chance of rain today, which could affect the Xfinity race and the Cup Series qualifiers. Fortunately, those numbers have now trickled down to 20%. So even if there are light showers or drizzle, NASCAR will have enough time to dry the track out and get going with its scheduled event. But the same cannot be said for the Cup Series race, as the weather update looks grim for tomorrow’s main event.

Weather forecast for the Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway

Concerned by the forecast, the NASCAR community was nervous about rain once again playing spoilsport for one of its marquee events. A fan even asked Bob Pockrass on X about the possibility of a triple header on Monday as the threat of rain looms large. In reply, Bob shared a positive update for today’s ARCA and Xfinity races.

“Forecast for today is promising. 20-30% chance of rain throughout the day. Plus temps in 70s so better conditions for drying if there is a short shower,” Bob shared via X. However, the weather update for tomorrow’s event is still worrisome. There’s an 80% chance of rain early in the morning, but the good news is that the chances of rain shrink to just 20% after 1 p.m. The race is scheduled for broadcast at 3 p.m. CT.

In a scenario where NASCAR is unable to move with its original plan because of rain, they have the option of moving the race ahead to Monday. A similar scene unfolded during the Daytona 500 race at the start of the season. However, moving ahead with the original plan and schedule will fare well not just for NASCAR but even for the fans, who might not be able to make it to the race on Monday.

Irrespective of the circumstances, drivers will have to be prepared and focused for the race. Given that so many drivers are looking at this event as an opportunity to break their winless streak, the race is expected to live up to its billing.

Surprise winners pick for the GEICO 500 race

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Superspeedway races are unpredictable and leave the door wide open for any driver to take home the victory. While, the likes of William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson have been in prolific form, this type of racing allows other drivers to stake their claim for the win. So, let’s take a look at some of the drivers who can pull up a big surprise at Talladega.

Ryan Blaney has to be the first on this list. With three top-two finishes in his last four starts, along with a win last fall, he is the prime candidate for the win. Moreover, none of the Ford drivers have been to victory lane so far this season. Sitting 7th in the points standings, he is the lone Ford driver in the top 10 places, and a win surely will launch him further up in the rankings.

Next, we have Joey Logano. Last week, we saw Chase Elliott put an end to his winless drought, and something similar is expected from the Penske star. His winless streak now stands at 40 races, but with a string of consistent performances in the past few weeks, he sure looks like a strong contender for the win.

Kyle Busch is making a surprise entry on the list. The RCR driver is just not having the best of days in terms of churning out positive results. However, looking back at his Daytona race, he managed an impressive comeback after pit stop blunders. Staging a comeback run, Busch made haste from being 35th in the race to finish 12th. Interestingly, he is defending his win from last season, therefore making him one of the favorites to win the race.