In 2024, rain affected six out of the 36 scheduled NASCAR Cup Series races, significantly disrupting race weekends. The famed Daytona 500, for example, was rescheduled, highlighting just how big an impact the weather can have on this sport. While rain tires have offered a temporary solution, officials are wondering if more can be done to reduce the risk of this happening again in the future.
In light of these challenges, a proposal has emerged to potentially revolutionize the sport’s approach to weather disruptions: domed tracks. Once merely speculative, the concept of enclosing race tracks under domes is gaining attention thanks to advocacy from teams like Joe Gibbs Racing.
Despite the potential benefits, this idea is not without its complexities.