Enjoy Illinois 300 briefly delayed at start of race to sweep off fireworks

For a second straight weekend, we’ve got all kinds of issues with NASCAR. Weather proved to be a concern again for Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300, but it’s not the only one from St. Louis. The start of the Cup Series race was delayed because of fireworks.

Anyone have that on their NASCAR Bingo card this week?

“NASCAR is sweeping/blowing off the backstretch,” reported Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “But there are more fireworks coming on their one-lap-to-go.”

NASCAR is sweeping/blowing off the backstretch … but there are more fireworks coming on their one-lap-to-go.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 4, 2023

Fireworks erupted around the track as cars made their way around World Wide Technology Raceway. That put a slight pause on the start of this weekend’s race.

As if that wasn’t enough, a spinout on the second lap brought out a caution. Then, lightning in the area brought the Enjoy Illinois 300 to a temporary halt.

So, it would appear we’re in store for another wild weekend on the NASCAR circuit.

Inclement weather continues to cause NASCAR delays

Bad weather seems to be following NASCAR around in recent weeks. The sport’s trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway endured some serious delays last weekend.

Due to heavy rainfall, NASCAR was forced to move both the Alsco Uniforms 300 (Xfinity Series) and Coca-Cola 600 (Cup Series) to Monday because of the conditions. Even then, both races saw red flags due to more rain.

It’s been a string of bad luck for NASCAR, and it couldn’t escape the elements at the Enjoy Illinois 300. It had to pause Sunday’s race after just a few laps. Hopefully, though, we’ll see the race completed on Sunday.

Tyler Reddick spins out, brings out caution flag

There’s been a lot of excitement from the Enjoy Illinois 300, and there’s only been a few laps run. On the second lap, Reddick spun out after making slight contact with Erik Jones.

That brought out a caution flag early in St. Louis. So, even when the drivers have been on the track, there’s been very little green flag racing.

Early caution as Tyler Reddick goes around in St. Louis. Here's what happened: https://t.co/qETe6VY9OK pic.twitter.com/MlaOzTrsL8

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 4, 2023

At the very least, the lightning delay came early in Sunday’s race. If we’re able to get back to the track on Sunday, drivers will essentially receive a fresh start for the Enjoy Illinois 300.