The start of Sunday's race at the Talladega Superspeedway was delayed because of rain.
Originally slated to begin at 2 p.m., the YellaWood 500 is delayed due to rain showers. NASCAR's jet driers are rushing to prepare the track for the 40-car race in Lincoln, Alabama. As rain continues to trickle over the 2.66-mile oval, drivers are anxiously waiting the green flag. The second Round of 12 race was unpredictable to begin with, but a slick track could increase the chances of a big crash and a championship-ruining wreck.
According to NASCAR's policy, a race won't start without a plan to get to the advertised distance. NBC has a tight television window due to the highly-anticipated matchup between the Buccaneers and the Patriots. If they can't start in time to complete the race, the YellaWood 500 will likely be postponed.
Here's all the information you need to follow updates for the YellaWood 500.
NASCAR race updates at Talladega
All times Eastern
3:03 p.m. - Cars finally exit their garages for pit road, the broadcast confirms the race will start in approximately 30 minutes.
Update: Cars are being pushed onto pit road, with the expectation of giving the command in about 30 minutes.#NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/suAWvGo0dJ
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 3, 2021
2:45 p.m. -
1:45 PM CDT @TALLADEGA update: Light showers near the track - should be moving across there soon. More rain 15 miles west of track, but can see more developing
— RaceWeather - Aaron Studwell, Ph.D. (@RaceWeather) October 3, 2021
No lightning w/in 60 miles.
Chc of showers & storms thru the afternoon & into WED - Working w/@NASCAR_WXMAN
2:30 p.m. - Cars remain in the garage with no estimate start time.
Cars are still in the garages as track drying continues .... no estimates yet on when will be ready and there is potential for more rain. https://t.co/KIIzUIJO8h
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 3, 2021
2:15 p.m. -
1:15 PM CDT @TALLADEGA update: Light showers SW of track, heavier rain about 20-25 miles WSW, moving ENE 20-25 mph.
— RaceWeather - Aaron Studwell, Ph.D. (@RaceWeather) October 3, 2021
No lightning w/in 100 miles.
Chc of showers & storms thru the afternoon & into WED - Working w/@NASCAR_WXMAN pic.twitter.com/AenoeCNhaz
2 p.m. - NASCAR makes the official rain delay announcement.
Today’s #YellaWood500 is currently delayed due to rain.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 3, 2021
Stay tuned to @NASCARonNBC and https://t.co/fGEFKOzq4h for additional updates. pic.twitter.com/5pCvkU9yCB
1:45 p.m. - No estimated start for the race following on-and-off showers.
Track drying continues. Occasional drizzle. No estimate yet for start time here at Talladega. Skies look a little promising but depends on whether anything builds to the west. pic.twitter.com/tmMCRdmRTR
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 3, 2021