The “Greatest Day in Motorsports” left much to be desired.
From severe weather at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to a dull race at the Circuit de Monaco, Sunday’s events started on the wrong foot. However, each quickly made up for their bad beginnings with great action and series firsts.
After seven years of competing in Formula 1, Charles Leclerc finally captured his first Monaco Grand Prix victory, an emotional triumph that the Monegasque has been chasing for several years in his hometown.
Then, following a delay of multiple hours, IndyCar spectators were treated to a spectacular on-track product. Yet again, the Indianapolis 500 proved to the motorsports world why it is ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.
With both events somehow salvaged, it was NASCAR’s turn to put on a show.
Once the green flag dropped, it was clear that Christopher Bell and William Byron would be the drivers to beat. Both cars showed significant speed and were able to slice through the field with ease. It was shaping up to be a classic race at the 1.5-mile track.
The pre-race hype and on-track battles were quickly hindered by the oncoming threat of severe weather. The looming presence of rain threatened to draw the longest race of the year to an early end.
When the chance of precipitation became imminent, the intensity picked up. Drivers like Brad Keselowski, Tyler Reddick, and Bubba Wallace started to hit, charging towards the front. Justin Allgaier, who started the race for Kyle Larson, managed to work his way up to 13th, ready for when the full-time driver of the No. 5 would return from Indy to complete the race.
Unfortunately, as Larson landed at the track, the rain began to fall and the race fell under caution. Strong winds and precipitation surrounded the venue as fans hid under the bleachers. Knowing the rain shower would pass quickly, many were hopeful that the Coca-Cola 600 would resume. Many expected to see cars back on track following last year’s late night of racing.
Once the weather cleared, track drying efforts began. However, after several hours of waiting, NASCAR called the race.
Was this the right decision?
Join Taylor Kitchen, Ben Branscum, and Rob Branning to share what they saw from the track and to discuss the 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600.
One Response
They could have finished the rac on Monday, barring any conflict with the track.
Also, I know this is about the rain shortened race but I have a comment about Larson’s waiver. The rule is you are supposed to start all 26 regular season races. He did not do that. The whole week prior to the races, it was the 600 is the priority. Then the Indy 500 got started-late- and he stayed in Indy to not only start but finish the 500. What happened to the 600 is the priority? Then by the time he finished the 500, the 600 got cancelled for rain. Larson did not participate in the 600 at all. Why is he getting a waiver?