Bristol races in recent years have had a fair amount of weather issues. However, the vast majority of those occurred in the spring, where at one point, rain had affected the race four out of five years.
The first two of those were ridiculous. Both 2014 and 2015 had long red flags due to rain that ultimately moved the race from FOX to FS1. A late caution set up overtime, then it rained again both years. In 2014, that rain ended the race. 2015 saw a red flag, then the track was dried for the final restart.
In contrast, the night race has not been affected by weather since 2016. That year, the race was postponed and became a Sunday afternoon race. Since the race occurred during the Summer Olympics in Rio, the race ended up being broadcast on CNBC. That is the only time that the race has been affected by rain in the last 17 years.
What Will the Weather Be Like in Bristol This Weekend?
Much like last weekend in the St. Louis area, things are looking really good for this weekend in Bristol. The overall airmass in the eastern part of the United States recently has been very nice, cooler than normal and not very humid.
Thursday’s forecast is for partly cloudy skies with a high around 78°. Winds should be light. By the time the Truck race starts, temperatures should be down around 67° and will fall during the race. Bring a light jacket or sweater if you’re going.
Friday’s forecast is just a little bit warmer, but not by much. You’ll have partly cloudy skies again with a high around 80°. Once again, all but no chance of rain. Temperatures by race-time for the Xfinity Series should be around 70°.
Saturday’s forecast is just a little warmer than Friday. Partly cloudy skies with a high of 81°. By the time the race ends Saturday night, it will likely be in the low 60s.
All in all, a great forecast to check out some racing. Good seats are still available.
Phil Allaway has three primary roles at Frontstretch. He's the manager of the site's FREE e-mail newsletter that publishes Monday-Friday and occasionally on weekends. He keeps TV broadcasters honest with weekly editions of Couch Potato Tuesday and serves as the site's Sports Car racing editor.
Outside of Frontstretch, Phil is the press officer for Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, N.Y. He covers all the action on the high-banked dirt track from regular DIRTcar Modified racing to occasional visits from touring series such as the Super DIRTcar Series.