NASCAR postpones Richmond races until Sunday
Richmond, VA (Sports Network) - Due to heavy rains and winds expected from Tropical Storm Hanna, NASCAR has postponed all track activities at the Richmond International Raceway until Sunday.
The outer bands of the storm reached the Richmond, VA area Friday afternoon as rain fell on the track just before qualifying for the Nationwide series. Forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate a 100 percent chance of rain and high winds Friday night and Saturday, forcing officials to make the schedule adjustment. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has already declared a state of emergency.
The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Sprint Cup Series race is rescheduled for 1 p.m. ET Sunday, while the Emerson Radio 250 Nationwide Series event is slated for later in the evening at 7 p.m.
Kyle Busch will start on the pole for Sprint Cup race, based on current owner points. Carl Edwards will start second, followed by Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Burton. All five drivers have already secured a spot in the "Chase for the Sprint Cup," which begins next week at New Hampshire.
Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon will roll off sixth through 10th, respectively.
The qualifying postponement means Joey Logano will not make his Sprint Cup debut this weekend. Tony Raines and Sterling Marlin will also miss the field.
ESPN will televise the Cup race, and ESPN2 will air the Nationwide event.