Photo: Stephen A. Arce/ASP, Inc.

Weather Delay Halts Camping World 400 at Chicagoland

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

Sunday’s Camping World 400 at Chicagoland Speedway is currently under the red flag due to a lengthy weather delay that’s gone past three hours.

Despite spotters raising concerns of lightning striking within the vicinity of the 1.5-mile circuit, the race got underway as planned a few minutes past 3:00 pm EST with pole sitter Austin Dillon leading the way.

Tremendous action took place between the top-five with Jimmie Johnson getting by Dillon for the race lead before the caution was waved due to weather on Lap 11.

With lightning near the area, it forced NASCAR to bring the 38-car field to pit road a lap later and the red flag was waved.

It marked the eighth stoppage of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this season as heavy wind and torrential downpour caused damages on banners, pit covers and even blowing off car covers.

Once the weather passed, track drying has begun. The current plan of resuming the race later today is yet to be determined.

As of 6:22 pm EST, all drivers were told to head to their cars and the race restarted under green flag conditions before 6:45 pm EST.

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From the Pacific Northwest, Luis is a University of Idaho graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting and Digital Media and a four-time National Motorsports Press Association award winner in photography. Ever since watching the 2003 Daytona 500, being involved in auto racing is all he's ever dreamed of doing. Over the years, Luis has focused on writing, video and photography with ambitions of having his work recognized.