Originally scheduled to start at 2:20 pm EST, the race at Pocono has been delayed due to lightning and rain. Track drying efforts are ongoing at the 2.5-mile speedway, with the lightning hold lifted as of 1:30 pm EST. NASCAR mandates a 30-minute hold after any lightning strike within eight miles of the track.
Despite the lack of lights, inclement weather is not uncommon at Pocono. The last Cup race to be postponed to Monday was in 2016, where fog led to a shortened event and Chris Buescher’s first career win. Buescher will start alongside Denny Hamlin, who boasts the most wins at Pocono and recently missed a race in Mexico City for the birth of his son Jameson Drew Hamlin.
Other notable Pocono events saw Connor Zilisch win the Xfinity race with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as interim crew chief, and Layne Riggs prevail in the Truck race after incidents involving Corey Heim and Carson Hocevar. NASCAR’s 2025 season has largely avoided rain delays, but Pocono’s fate remains uncertain as the race against time continues.
