Rain is a dirty word for most NASCAR weekends.
When NASCAR races on ovals, officials are forced to stop races while the track is wet, seeing as slick tires provide no grip for cars and drivers.
However, many fans are hoping for rain when NASCAR visits road courses because rain tires are available at these tracks, meaning precipitation won't stop the race unless it's extremely heavy or lightning is in the area.
Because Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race will take place at Watkins Glen, which is a road course, I imagine there are fans rooting for rain this afternoon.
And wouldn't you know it? There is a chance that rain impacts NASCAR's Go Bowling at the Glen on Sunday afternoon.
NASCAR Weather Forecast for Watkins Glen
According to the National Weather Service, there's a 70% chance of rain on Sunday afternoon, with "showers and thunderstorms likely."
Today's Go Bowling at the Glen is scheduled to start at 3:19 p.m. ET (USA), and, as always, the timing of any rain is key when it comes to NASCAR.
But as I mentioned above, the rain is unlikely to delay the race at any point, but it could certainly change the look of it depending when and if it falls.
For example, drivers with road-course racing backgrounds, like A.J. Allmendinger — or even former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen — will likely welcome the rain since they have the most experience driving in wet conditions.
From a NASCAR betting perspective, this makes live, in-race odds much more interesting.
For example, if the beginning portion of the race is dry, there may be value getting down on drivers with road-racing experience if there is rain imminent.
On the other hand, if it is raining early but it looks like it'll clear, it may be smart to bet some of the traditional favorites if their performance, and odds, slip a bit in wet conditions.
