NASCAR Chicago: Grant Park 220 postponed, Xfinity Series race called due to rain

NASCAR’s marquee Chicago, the Grant Park 220, was put into “hold mode” hours after the weekend’s Xfinity Series race was called due to an ongoing flash flood warning in the area. The Grant Park 220 is set to start at 4:05 p.m. CET, but NASCAR now says it is waiting until “conditions improve.”

NASCAR’s decision to postpone the Cup Series came minutes after the National Weather Service sent out another emergency alert regarding a “life-threatening” flood warning. Ellery Jones of the Sun-Times said there were audible groans in the media room as the alarm on phones rang just before 4pm local time.

Cole Custer had won the previous race The Loop 121, leading 25 of 55 when Saturday’s red flag was brought down by lightning. NASCAR announced Sunday that those results are final.

“I was honestly shocked we didn’t wreck more cars.” Custer told NBC during the delay Saturday. “Hats off to the field so far.”

Sunday’s Xfinity race call came after hours of layoffs in hopes of getting it before the Grant Park marquee 220. However, with rain lashing Chicago all day and a flash flood warning, crews couldn’t make it downtown. The track is in a race condition in time.

Related outdoor concerts scheduled for Sunday, including those of Charlie Crockett and Miranda Lambert, have also been cancelled.

Earlier Sunday, NASCAR said it was in “hold mode” due to standing water on the track. The race was halted on Saturday due to lightning.

The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood warning for Cook County, which includes Chicago, and surrounding areas until 6:30 p.m. axial time.

In an emergency push alert, the NWS warned:

“This is a dangerous, life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing a flood-prone area or under an evacuation order.”