Sports and Recreation

Jack Link’s 500 Is Sunday At Talladega Superspeedway In Alabama, Will The Weather Cooperate This Weekend?

All eyes are on Talladega as the Jack Link's 500 is this Sunday. Unfortunately, the weather may put a damper on the fun.

TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 27: Joey Logano (#22 Team Penske Shell Pennzoil Ford) leads the field through the tri-oval during the running of the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 on April 27, 2025, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) — Joey Logano (#22 Team Penske Shell Pennzoil Ford) leads the field through the tri-oval during the running of the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 on April 27, 2025, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL.
(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))

Jack Link’s 500 is Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, but the weather may not cooperate this weekend.

Showers and storms are likely to be in the forecast for at least part of the festivities.

The green flag waves at 3 p.m. Sunday, and while the forecast is still far off, the weather will need to be monitored for any delays.

The Forecast

Talladega is one of my favorite races of the year. And no, it is not because of Talladega Nights - although I do love that movie.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the forecast is not looking good for Talladega events this weekend. It is still several days away though, so continue to check back with us for the latest.

Friday

Should you want to head down early to camp out at Talladega, something I long to do, Friday is your best day to do so. At least during the day on Friday. By the evening hours, clouds will increase and eventually a chance of showers are in the forecast after midnight.

Saturday

Be sure to pack a poncho should you be out an about on Saturday. Showers are possible in the morning with chances of showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the afternoon.

Sunday (Race Day)

Keep the pocho and umbrellas ready on Sunday because it is looking like more of the same. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout the day again. While there are measures to dry the track, if it rains too hard, they may have to delay or even postpone the race. The risk of storms also could lead to nearby lightning strikes, even if there is no ongoing rain.

Delays At Talladega?

The Jack Link's 500, previously known as the Geico 500, is one of the most important races in the first half of the year. But 2020 told a different story.

Initially, the race was delayed that year from April to June because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But when June rolled around, there ended up being rain delays and eventually a reschedule to the following Monday. And it rained on that Monday as well, causing even more delays!

The Talladega area generally sees their wettest months between December and March with April still seeing a respectable average monthly rainfall of 4.77 inches.

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - JUNE 22: Storm clouds seen as cars race during the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on June 22, 2020 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) — Storm clouds seen as cars race during the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on June 22, 2020 in Talladega, Alabama.
((Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images))

Here’s to hoping the weather clears up in time for the big race.

Rob Shackelford is a meteorologist and climate scientist at weather.com. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia studying meteorology and experimenting with alternative hurricane forecasting tools.