The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for Sunday's Quaker State 400 (3 p.m. ET, USA), the second event of the season at the newly-configured race track.
However, while the race back in March was not impacted by rain, Sunday's NASCAR at Atlanta weather forecast is not all that promising.
In fact, Saturday's qualifying session was washed out by rain, so inclement weather has already had an effect on the race weekend.
With this in mind, let's examine the updated NASCAR at Atlanta forecast, including the chances that wet weather delays Sunday's race.
NASCAR Weather Forecast for Atlanta
To start, it's important to note that Atlanta Motor Speedway is actually located in Hampton, Georgia, which is located 27 miles south of Atlanta's city center.
According to the National Weather Service, there's a 50% chance of rain and storms after 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, putting the precipitation in the window of the race's 3 p.m. ET start time.
Per the latest hourly breakdown, there's a 46% chance of rain at 3 p.m. ET, a 50% chance at 6 p.m. ET and a 53% chance at 9 p.m. ET.
As is typically the case, the timing and intensity of the rain is what will determine if there's a dry enough window to get Sunday's race at Atlanta started.
And who knows? Maybe there rain avoids the track completely and NASCAR is able to run the entire distance.
For those wondering, Atlanta Motor Speedway does have lights, meaning NASCAR does have the option to wait out the rain and dry the track should the weather clear out on Sunday night.
In addition, a NASCAR race is official at the half-way point, meaning Sunday's Quaker State 400 will be official once lap 130 is completed.
