RACE WEEKEND HUB

The heat will be one of the biggest stories this race weekend, with afternoon heat index values pushing close to 100° on Friday. If you’re heading to the track, make sure to mix in plenty of water between the cold beverages, take breaks in the shade when you can, and know the signs of heat-related illness.

We’ll also have multiple waves of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend. There will be plenty of dry hours, but don’t let that give you a false sense of security. The greatest chance for storms will generally be during the afternoon and evening, although the exact timing of each wave will need to be watched closely and could change. Friday has the greatest potential for strong to severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, while heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding will be possible anywhere repeated storms develop through the weekend.

Outside of thunderstorms, Friday is also the only day with noticeably gusty winds. At the track, remember that any cloud-to-ground lightning within 8 miles will trigger a delay, and the 30-minute clock resets with every additional strike inside that radius.

Race weekends are about much more than what happens on the track they’re about camping, tailgating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Keep an eye on the forecast, stay weather aware, and be prepared for changing conditions throughout the weekend. As always, forecasts are subject to change, so check back often for the latest updates.