The weather forecast initially held up well entering Sunday’s AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway, but nothing is guaranteed in the hot, humid summer months on the east coast.
With 14 laps remaining in a 400-lap race, a storm blew through Dover and put a pause on the NASCAR Cup Series race with Denny Hamlin in the lead.
The late delay created some questions about whether the race would be finished at all, knowing the green flag might not come out until the final handful of laps.
Here are the latest updates on NASCAR’s delay at Dover Motor Speedway.
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NASCAR at Dover weather updates
The AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 was delayed by a fast-moving storm cell on Sunday, but the rain cleared out of Dover just as soon as it started up. It was heavy enough, however, to soak the track, so the race had to enter an extended delay while the track dried.
Despite speculation that NASCAR could call the race at 386 laps, giving Hamlin the win, track-drying efforts indicate the race is fully expected to re-start.Â
Track-drying efforts are underway at the @MonsterMile
Stay tuned to TNT for updates. pic.twitter.com/iyMBqDBbjH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 20, 2025
By 6:25 p.m. ET, the track was deemed ready for the race to continue and drivers were instructed to return to their cars.
Drivers, to your cars! Fans, to TNT!
We’re about to go back racing at the @MonsterMile. pic.twitter.com/7wZBN7GBj3
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 20, 2025
By the time the storm moved out of Dover, there wasn’t much more rain in the area on an otherwise bright day. That means the race should be completed with a full 400 laps, particularly with more than two hours of daylight still remaining after the start of the delay.Â
