No Break in the Weather for NASCAR

They say April showers bring May flowers.  But it sure would be nice if those April showers would stay away on race weekends.

For the third weekend this season, the odds are good that yet another race is going to fall victim to the whims of Mother Nature.

The Saturday forecast for Talladega is pretty dire - severe thunderstorms, hail and possible tornadoes.  Not necessarily racing, camping and partying weather.

However, NASCAR officials decided today that the Saturday show will go on - hopefully.  Here's the details from FOXNews.com -

NASCAR official Jim Hunter said if the Nationwide race is postponed by weather Saturday it would be rescheduled as part of a doubleheader Sunday or on Monday.

Lynch said weather officials told him there is the possibility of one to five inches of rain falling in the track vicinity Saturday. But there also is the possibility of sunshine, he said, and the severe weather could bypass the track.

Hundreds of Alabama state troopers and many emergency services personnel and vehicles will be on speedway property during the weekend.

“The decision was made somewhat easier for us because a huge percentage of our crowd is already here,” Lynch said. “They’re going to be here whether we run this race or not. We will tell them to take precautions and secure everything at their campsites that could blow around. They have to take the necessary precautions that they deem reasonable.”

There are no shelters of significant size in the speedway area.

Hopefully Talladega will be spared any major weather, however, if storms do hit - there are some safety precautions racegoers can take. The below information is courtesy of FEMA:

"If you're in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home - Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you're outside with no shelter - Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries"

Hopefully, the Darrell Waltrip School of Meteorology is correct in their assertion that speeding cars create a climate vortex which keeps inclimate weather away. 'Cause it sure would be nice to get a break in the weather.