NASCAR sets itself up for another logistical nightmare in Chicago

The weekend remains to be just a few days away, and at present the forecast does not present a excessive likelihood of rain for Saturday and Sunday. That might all the time change, although, and if it does, NASCAR is in hassle. 

Because of the logistics of racing on metropolis streets, it can’t be delayed or postponed previous Sunday afternoon … and the beginning time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET

What are we doing right here, NASCAR? Whilst it’s, this offers the race a really tight window earlier than it have to be accomplished, so tight that its distance was already shortened from 100 initially scheduled laps a yr in the past (which ended up being 78 because of impending curfew following the delays) to 75 this season. 

That alone robs followers of what might be at the very least a full further hour of pleasure, whereas making the race size among the many shortest ever scheduled within the Cup Sequence at solely 165 miles.

Primarily, although, one would suppose that after the climate points final season, NASCAR would have in-built some extra wiggle room in case it rains once more. At most tracks, beginning within the late afternoon is not an issue as a result of the race might be delayed (if the monitor has lights) or postponed. 

That is not doable in Chicago, the place these streets will should be made usable for normal automobiles once more as quickly as doable.

Merely put, NASCAR had higher hope that the rain stays away this time round, as a result of there is no feel-good narrative to bail them out of the PR nightmare if it does not. van Gisbergen’s win a season in the past was historic as a result of it was his first race ever within the Cup Sequence, or at any NASCAR stage, for that matter. 

He is entered within the occasion once more, however this yr he is simply one other man who occurs to be the defending winner.

Once more, at present the forecast is not calling for a excessive likelihood of rain over the weekend, so fingers crossed it stays that means. But it does not change that NASCAR did each single factor mistaken in getting ready for such a state of affairs once more, and if worse involves worst, individuals should reply for it. 

The race didn’t should be shortened; the beginning time wanted to be moved earlier. A lot earlier.