{"id":3479,"date":"2026-07-19T22:35:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T22:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=3479"},"modified":"2026-07-19T22:35:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T22:35:20","slug":"live-updates-rain-severe-weather-descends-at-north-wilkesboro-before-nascar-race-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=3479","title":{"rendered":"Live updates: Rain, severe weather descends at North Wilkesboro before NASCAR race"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunday\u2019s race marks the first NASCAR Cup Series points-paying race<\/a> at North Wilkesboro Speedway since 1996. Looking for the latest news? We got you covered. The Charlotte Observer has multiple journalists at the vaunted N.C. racetrack to keep you up-to-date.<\/p>\n

Read more Live updates: Rain, severe weather descends at North Wilkesboro before NASCAR race<\/a><\/p>\n

Check out our updates below. Refresh this page for more.<\/i><\/p>\n

6:20 p.m.:<\/b> North Wilkesboro Speedway has officially released the lightning hold and the gates are open. That\u2019s the good news. There\u2019s bad news, though. The racetrack also informed fans in a statement that tonight\u2019s \u201cpre-race concert and track pass access has been canceled,\u201d adding that \u201ctrack drying will begin as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

That track-drying process has begun. Oh, and the blistering sun \u2014 it\u2019s 80 degrees with the sunset not planned until 8:39 p.m. \u2014 is helping to dry the area, too.<\/p>\n

5:52 p.m.:<\/b> The rain has cleared, but we might not be out of the bad weather yet. Radar shows there\u2019s another pocket of showers coming in the next hour. According to AccuWeather<\/a>, there\u2019s a 58% of precipitation at 7 p.m., then 25% at 8 p.m., then 20% through the rest of the evening.<\/p>\n

5:30 p.m.:<\/b> Not breaking any news here: It\u2019s raining. Hard. The venue is actually under an official Severe Weather Warning because lightning is in the area. Fans are asked to seek shelter. The good news? The heavy rain and thunderstorm are expected to pass through relatively quickly, radars show. Take a look below.<\/p>\n

Read more Stein celebrates ongoing Helene recovery, hopes for increased housing supply<\/a><\/p>\n

Keep in mind: Even if the rain ends, the track will still need to dry. Green flag is still slated for just past 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

5:15 PM EDT @NWBSpeedway<\/a> – Frequent & close lightning, along with rain & strong winds should continue for another 15-20 minutes. pic.twitter.com\/1VgTDA3htJ<\/a><\/p>\n

Cup qualifying was washed out on Saturday, and thus the starting grid was set by the rule book. Here\u2019s the starting lineup below.<\/p>\n

Some penalty housekeeping: Austin Hill and Connor Zilisch each failed prerace inspection twice and thus will not be able to make pit selections Sunday. Ross Chastain failed inspection three times and thus will be required to serve a drive-through penalty at the start of the race in addition to losing pit selection and a team member for the race.<\/p>\n

Read more Lisa Ann Walter Is Fighting to Support Teachers Like Her Mom and Daughter<\/a><\/p>\n

This story was originally published July 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

NASCAR Cup Series is back at NC legendary track North Wilkesboro Speedway for first points-paying Cup race since 1996. 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