NASCAR resumes Atlanta Xfinity race after 80 minute lightning delay

NASCAR had to wait over an hour due to lightning in the area before they were able tor resume Friday night’s Xfinity Series race at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta). The track remained dry, but the nearby lightning made it unsafe for the fans and competitors to continue with the event.

However, after red-flagging the race at 9:02pm EST, cars rolled back out on track at 10:25pm EST to continue the race. 

Here’s a brief rundown of the event before the lengthy stoppage:

Sheldon Creed led the NASCAR Xfinity Series field to the green flag at Atlanta in a race that started later than scheduled due to lightning in the area. But once the race got underway, it didn’t take long for the first incident of the night.

Within the first five laps, the caution flag was out as Blaine Perkins spun around following contact from Christian Eckes. Parker Retzlaff, William Sawalich, and Josh Williams were all collected as well and sustained noticeable damage. 

The race resumed a few laps later with Creed still in control. Austin Hill, who has won five of the last six races, was the clear favorite entering the race. However, the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet abruptly fell through the pack. He reported a fuel pressure issue and was eventually forced onto pit road under green-flag conditions.

While Hill fell multiple laps down, NASCAR threw the caution on Lap 34 of the 45-lap opening stage. The reason was inclement weather and due to a lightning strike within eight miles of the track, they were forced to halt the race. 

The field rolled down pit road and the race was red-flagged with Creed still in command. Connor Zilisch, who earned his first oval win one week ago at Pocono, was in second. Sam Mayer, Jesse Love, and Taylor Gray rounded out the top five. Ryan Sieg, Aric Almirola, Nick Sanchez, Justin Allgaier, and Leland Honeyman filled out the remainder of the top ten.

While the field split on strategy once the race went back to yellow-flag conditions, some chose to stay out for a five-lap sprint to the end of the stage. Unfortunately, a massive wreck immediately ensued, taking out several cars.