Violent storms raise red flag at NASCAR’s Brickyard 400

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

July 23,2017, 6:38:50PM,EDT

 

 

Violent thunderstorms caused NASCAR officials to pull out the red flag at the Brickyard 400 on Sunday afternoon.
The theme of wet weather that started Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway continued for Sunday afternoon with the return of showers and thunderstorms.

Kyle Busch poses with the pole award after qualifying for the NASCAR Cup auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
A thunderstorm capable of causing damaging winds took aim at Indianapolis and prompted NASCAR officials to halt the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 shortly after it started.
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Spectators were urged to seek shelter prior to the thunderstorm's arrival.
“The track will take up to two hours or more to dry, so any storms that move in will increase the threat that the storms will stop racing for Sunday or cause the race to be shortened,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said.

Thunderstorm activity is likely to lessen during the evening hours.
If the race is delayed long enough, drivers will then be racing against the setting sun.

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Track drying has begun

3:41 PM - 23 Jul 2017

“There are no lights at the speedway,” Reppert said.
If the race gets postponed until Monday, a drier day and less humid day will await drivers and spectators.