NASCAR pushes back start time for FireKeepers Casino 400 as track drying efforts continue

On Sunday, rain and a sunset deadline forced NASCAR to postpone the FireKeepers Casino 400 until today at Noon on the USA Network. So far this morning, NASCAR is continuing its track drying efforts to make sure the surface is ready to go when they need it to be. Just 74 laps completed in this race, 100 laps to make it official – we will see if we can get this full 200-lap race finished by the time the sun sets today.

There should be a window that NASCAR can work with. The restart time is early enough in the day to allow them to pause and dry the track if needed once or twice before sunset becomes a factor. Many drivers are looking forward to getting back to the race track for the FireKeepers Casino 400.

With drying efforts still ongoing, the race will now start at 12:30 PM. That is when the command will be given to start engines. Catch it all on USA Network.

NASCAR is aiming to restart engines at 12:30 PM ET at @MISpeedway.

Follow along on @USANetwork for more updates.

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 7, 2023

Fans would love to see the FireKeepers Casino 400 go the full 200 laps. However, NASCAR might have to just get as many as they can if this keeps up all day. There is a constant mist at the track.

With some mist, NASCAR continues to dry the track. pic.twitter.com/bypnQFODZO

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 7, 2023

This race is going to get restarted eventually. As NASCAR gets the track prepped for the FireKeepers Casino 400, fans are eager to see the race continue. There was a lot of drivers that had issues on Sunday. With a cooler track today, it will be interesting if those problems persist for others.

FireKeepers Casino 400 – who to watch during restart

When the FireKeepers Casino 400 continues, Tyler Reddick will lead the field to green. He’s got a couple of Toyota teammates behind him in Ty Gibbs and Bubba Wallace. Drivers have not returned to their cars yet, with many making their way to pit road and others mixing it up with fans.

Monday races create a number of challenges for drivers and teams. Staying focused and determined can be tough. Christopher Bell took heavy damage and will have to return to race a limping No. 20 Toyota Camry. That can’t be easy when you know you have damaged equipment and you have to stay an extra day.

Then, there are those that are on the playoff bubble. How does the stress and pressure from Sunday build with the race pushed to Monday?

NASCAR has worked hard to get this FireKeepers Casino 400 back green. Let’s hope that we see the full race by the time a winner is named this afternoon.