NASCAR race at Phoenix begins under lights after rain delay
Posted November 15, 2015 6:00 am
AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) - NASCAR's final race before the championship finale began after a rain delay Sunday that pushed the start at Phoenix International Raceway into the evening.
The race was scheduled for early Sunday afternoon, but a rain shower shortly before the start spoiled the day. When it finally stopped raining, the race began 6 hours, 42 minutes later and under the lights at Phoenix.
NASCAR doesn't have much flexibility because it needs its championship field set so the series can move on to Homestead-Miami Speedway for next Sunday's finale. Four drivers will race for the title next week, and only Jeff Gordon had earned a berth. Seven drivers were jockeying for the final three slots at Phoenix.
Josh Shipplett, the rear-tire changer for driver Austin Dillon, pushes water from the team's pit stall before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Avondale, Ariz. Weather conditions delayed the start of the race. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
The Associated Press
A pair of fans sit in the rain as they wait for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Avondale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
The Associated Press
A pit crew member for Clint Bowyer uses a leaf blower to dry the team's pit stall before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Avondale, Ariz. The start of the race was delayed. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
The Associated Press
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