Rain delays wreaked havoc on Sunday’s NASCAR FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, leading officials to suspend the race and reschedule it for Monday at 11 a.m. ET.
The race, originally set to begin around 2:40 p.m. ET, didn’t see the green flag until nearly two hours later at 4:55 p.m. ET due to weather delays in Brooklyn, Michigan. Despite the delayed start, drivers managed to complete the first stage, which saw Ryan Blaney take the win after a strategic move during a late caution.
NASCAR suspended the FireKeepers 400 until Monday, running out of time Sunday to run a race that was delayed and interrupted by rain. https://t.co/1JdZmiWSd4 pic.twitter.com/r6zKQjo5rB
— KGET 17 News (@KGETnews) August 19, 2024
Denny Hamlin spun on Lap 39 while attempting to draft behind race leader Bubba Wallace, bringing out the first caution of the day. As a result, many drivers pitted for fresh tires and fuel, but Blaney and a few others stayed on the track, giving him the lead for a three-lap shootout to the stage finish.
Blaney held off Chase Elliott, who had restarted at the back of the top 10, to claim the stage victory. The race was red-flagged shortly after the start of Stage 2 as rain returned, forcing drivers to exit their cars and NASCAR to cover them on pit road.
The race will pick up where it left off on Monday morning, with coverage on USA Network and live streaming options on the NBCSports website and app, as well as Fubo.
FireKeepers Casino 400 Rained Off – NASCAR Race Red Flagged #PreparednessTips #FireSafetyEducation #FireSafetyEquipment #FireSafetyInspection #FireSafetyPlan [Video]https://t.co/sfF6btqUiH
— Margaret Lindsay (@MargaretLSGP) August 19, 2024
As the race continues, fans will be watching to see if Blaney can maintain his momentum or if another driver will emerge victorious in what has been a challenging weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
Key Points:
i. The NASCAR FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway was suspended due to rain and will resume Monday at 11 a.m. ET.
ii. The race experienced a delayed start of over two hours on Sunday and was ultimately halted after 74 laps due to persistent rain.
iii. Ryan Blaney won the first stage of the race, with Chase Elliott finishing second.
iv. Denny Hamlin spun during the first stage, causing a caution that led to strategic pit stops by many drivers.
v. The resumption of the race will be broadcast on USA Network, with live streams available on NBCSports and Fubo.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
