NASCAR Weather Update: Hurricane ‘Helene’ Yet to Destroy Playoff Plans Despite Wreaking Havoc in Bristol & Indianapolis

NASCAR Cup Series races have been tormented by the rains on multiple occasions this season. The Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600, and the All-Star event at North Wilkesboro Speedway were all affected by Mother Nature. Therefore, the scare of Hurricane Helene is something that concerns the fans, especially with the crucial playoffs event lined up.

Hurricane Helene is a Category-1 storm that has already wreaked havoc on the Florida coast. The storm is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley by today and Saturday. This does put the Talladega NASCAR race under the scanner after the massive disruption of the day-to-day lives of people affected by the storm. But, according to Bob Pockrass’s updates, the playoff events remain unaffected.

NASCAR playoff races remain green despite the threat of Hurricane Helene

The Driven2SaveLives dirt track event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway had to be called off due to persisting rain and high winds from the hurricane. The USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship, which is scheduled for Saturday, could also suffer a similar fate if the weather does not improve.

Luckily, this time around, NASCAR races haven’t been affected by the weather constraints. Bob Pockrass took to his X account and shared, “Checked in with the folks at Talladega, and they said everything is on schedule for next week as far as outside campgrounds opening Monday morning and infield/superstretch campgrounds opening Wednesday morning.”

While the NASCAR races haven’t been affected directly, a few fans were concerned for the team’s logistical plans. The Charlotte airport was forced to cancel flights, which could’ve affected the team’s travel plan to Kansas for this weekend’s race. Responding to these inquiries, Pockrass wrote, “I see only one American flight from Charlotte canceled. One arrived this morning, and another is on schedule for this afternoon. Team charter flights/team flights have flown today from what I can tell and those scheduled for this afternoon still on schedule.”

On the other hand, Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR’s historic race has provided help and relief to the people fleeing from the hurricane.

Charlotte Motor Speedway opens its doors to people affected by Hurricane Helene

The track officials have asked those in need of shelter and assistance to check in at the Camping World Racing Resort office, which is at the entrance of zMAX Dragway. People will be allowed to access the facilities on the Speedway property. Evacuees who are arriving late after the office hours can park their cars near the camping office and check in during business hours.

They will have access to Charlotte Motor Speedway’s bathhouse facilities, while further doubts and queries can be cleared out by dialing 704-455-4445. This current situation is reminiscent of the time when Hurricane Hugo hit Charlotte in 1989. It led to a blackout and power outage for almost six weeks. This was one of the costliest hurricanes, causing damages amounting to an estimated $8 billion. The Category 5 hurricane destroyed some 200,000 homes and resulted in 26 fatalities. Luckily, Charlotte isn’t at the epicenter of Hurricane Helene and is doing its best to help provide relief to those affected by it.

The NASCAR Cup Series will be back at the historic racetrack for the playoff race American Roval 400 in a few weeks. Instead of racing on the oval, the drivers will compete on the road course that is stretched across 2.52- miles in length. This will be the final race of the Round of 12 and has all the potential of an entertaining event.