“The Race Track Was Ready to Go” – NASCAR Explains Decision to Run Cup Race Amid Weather Concerns

The NASCAR Cup Series race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway descended into chaos mid-race. As it turns out, an unexpected rain shower caught everyone by surprise. None were more surprised than the Joe Gibbs Racing drivers, who all spun off in the wet. Kyle Busch was particularly enraged, but the officials defended themselves.

According to Vice President, Officiating and Technical Inspection, Elton Sawyer, they were in touch with the weather officials. He said, “The race track was ready to go. We have all of our protocols in place.

“I think for our fans to totally understand, we have turn spotters around the facility. We also have our flag person who is looking at what’s going on on the race track.”

Sawyer said that there were many personnel constantly communicating with the teams. In addition to that, they also have an instant messaging service where they can communicate with the crew chiefs. From their end, it looked like there were no problems.

Where did it all go wrong for NASCAR?

He acknowledged that a weather-related situation occurred unexpectedly at New Hampshire. It was an unfortunate situation, but they do happen on occasion, and that is why they have the protocols. Sawyer revealed that they were getting reports of a mist around the track.

By then, Busch and Martin Truex Jr had lost control of their cars and crashed out. Although he was sorry that the Joe Gibbs Racing team’s race got ruined, NASCAR followed all the protocols. Now, the officials will have a meeting to discuss and review the situation and see what they can do better.

Naturally, Busch was fuming because he was on pole position and looked set to win. Instead, the soggy track caught him unaware, and he crashed out of the race. Truex Jr was able to continue, while Denny Hamlin just missed hitting the wall.

READ MORE: Kyle Busch Bags Pole Position for NASCAR Cup Series Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway