In an ongoing battle with Mother Nature, NASCAR lost … again.
Rain forced the postponement of the Food City 500 after 204 of 250 laps needed for an official race (conclusion of the second stage) were run. The event will resume Monday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
The start of the race was delayed about 30 minutes and brought out four red flags (three for weather). The event was originally scheduled for just after 2 p.m. but NASCAR moved the start time up one hour. In total, the race was halted for just shy of one hour due to the stoppages.
Kyle Larson had rocketed his way to more than a straightaway lead over second-place Denny Hamlin before the rains came. So far, he has led 74 laps.
Paul Menard, polesitter Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. round out the current top five. Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and Austin Dillon complete the top 10.
The first 150 laps or so were dominated by Ryan Blaney. But the Team Penske driver ended his day an innocent victim; he was caught up in a multi-car pileup while leading his 100th circuit.
MASSIE: DAY ENDS EARLY FOR RYAN BLANEY
Big trouble! Heavy damage for leader Ryan Blaney in Bristol. He's done for the day. pic.twitter.com/ltWQhyGVnf
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 15, 2018
Unfortunately for driver No. 12, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and his day ended early.
Well that sucked. Feel the worst for everyone on the 12 team and REV. Had a good car. Gonna be a long 3 hour drive home.
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) April 15, 2018
There was also another multi-car incident early on in the race. This one on lap three involved Michael McDowell, Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliott.
Welcome to Bristol. Under caution for an early pileup in involving Chase Elliott, Martin Truex Jr. and others! pic.twitter.com/CiEIdURcg3
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 15, 2018
Brad Keselowski was the winner of the first stage. The No. 2 car stayed out as the majority of the field opted to pit. He’s currently 14th.
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