10 Times NASCAR Races Were Delayed by the Weirdest Things Imaginable
NASCAR races are known for their high-speed action, but sometimes, bizarre and unexpected events halt them.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
NASCAR is no stranger to weather delays, but occasionally, races are paused for reasons you would never expect. From animals on the track to strange weather patterns, these delays have become part of racing lore. Here are 10 times NASCAR races were delayed for the oddest reasons, proving that the world of motorsport can be unpredictable in more ways than one.
1. A Raccoon on the Loose
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In 2015, a raccoon scurried across the track during the NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway. The animal caused enough of a stir for officials to pause the race, giving drivers and fans time to laugh and worry about potential collisions.
2. A Tornado Warning at the 2011 Daytona 500
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Just as the 2011 Daytona 500 was heating up, a tornado warning led to a two-hour delay. Ominous storm clouds gathered over the track, forcing crews to prioritize safety over competition.
3. A Helicopter Crash Near the Track
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In 2000, a helicopter crash near the Texas Motor Speedway caused a major delay during a NASCAR race. Thankfully, the pilot was unharmed, but the accident led to an immediate halt in racing for safety reasons.
4. Slick Roads Due to a Paving Mistake
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During the 2007 Bristol race, the track’s surface had a slick patch from an incorrect paving job. Drivers struggled with the unexpected conditions, prompting officials to delay the race while crews worked to fix the issue.
5. A Groundhog in the Infield
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A groundhog was spotted making its way around the infield at a race in 2005, causing enough disruption for race officials to temporarily stop the event. The groundhog’s unpredictable movements created a safety concern for both drivers and crew members.
6. A Fireworks Show Gone Wrong
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During a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2014, a fireworks display accidentally ignited the track’s infield, resulting in a minor fire. Officials halted the race until the fire was under control, allowing fire crews to handle the situation.
7. A Rainstorm… in the Desert
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In 2004, a rare desert rainstorm delayed the NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway. The downpour flooded parts of the track, forcing crews to dry it out before it could be deemed safe for racing.
8. A Bee Swarm at Talladega
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In 2019, a swarm of bees took over a section of the track at Talladega Superspeedway, leading to an unusual delay. The bees decided to settle near the start/finish line, forcing officials to call a temporary pause until pest control could take care of the situation.
9. A Lightning Strike Near the Track
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons
In 2016, lightning struck just outside the Dover International Speedway, causing an immediate race delay. Officials halted the race as a safety precaution, and drivers and fans were advised to stay indoors.
10. A Giant Hole in the Track
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During a 2008 race at the Texas Motor Speedway, a huge hole in the track surface delayed the race. The hole formed unexpectedly, and the track had to undergo emergency repairs.