How NASCAR Fans Get Caught Off Guard By Weather

For Matt McCrary, a lifelong NASCAR fan, meteorologist and Global Sales Leader for The Weather Company, race weekends aren’t just about engines roaring at 200 mph, they’re about reading the sky just as closely as the track.

And there may be no better place to experience both of those passions than Talladega Superspeedway, what McCrary calls “the largest and craziest redneck party in America.”

The track is massive, the speeds are blistering and the stakes are high.

“Giant massive crashes. That's what Talladega is known for,” he explained.

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Beyond the adrenaline, race weekends are a full-on outdoor experience. Fans don’t just show up for a few hours, they camp out for days.

From Thursday through Sunday, thousands pack into infields and campgrounds around the Alabama venue, and that's where weather awareness often takes a backseat.

“They're focused on what they're doing and the fun that they're going to have, building a bonfire, grilling out,” McCrary said. “Weather is something that’s out of mind until it’s happening.”

Talladega’s big spring race falls during one of the most volatile times of year in the Southeast. In fact, McCrary points out it’s held during the peak window for tornado risk in Alabama. That doesn’t mean severe weather is guaranteed, but it does mean conditions can shift fast.

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“It could be absolutely beautiful,” he said, envisioning sunny skies, mild temperatures and low humidity. “But… things can change quickly.”

That’s why he emphasizes checking the forecast before you go, and even more importantly, keeping tabs on it throughout the day.

“Be aware before you go of what's in the forecast. Is there any potential rain? And more importantly than that, is there potential for thunderstorms?" he suggested. "Look at that hourly forecast. I think it's really important when you're out in the elements like that.”

Sneaky Weather Threats

Exposure to the elements is exactly why McCrary recommends being prepared for anything Mother Nature could bring.

Fans are often completely exposed, sitting in metal grandstands for hours with little shade. And that can lead to another common issue: sunburn and dehydration.

“You see a lot of red skin leaving a NASCAR race,” McCrary said.

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Even wind plays a role. High grandstands can amplify gusts, leading to unexpected windburn on cooler days. And those metal bleachers? They can turn scorching hot under direct sun.

How Weather Changes The Race

While fans may feel the effects of weather in the stands, drivers and teams are factoring it into every decision.

“Weather has a huge impact on how they’re going to tune the car, how tires are going to last,” McCrary explained.

Hot, sunny conditions can make the track slick and fast, but harder to control. Cooler temperatures can slow speeds but improve grip. Even cloud cover rolling in mid-race can shift strategy.

In fact, some teams rely directly on weather data to guide decisions. “They’re embedding weather data into all the engineering and analytics work that they do,” he said.

And for crews during the race?

"They're all amateur meteorologists. They all have some type of radar on one of their screens, they're in the pit box," McCrary noted. "So they're always weather aware."

A Meteorologist’s Race-Day Routine

With McCrary's expertise, he preps for a weekend by packing sunscreen (and reapplying it), staying hydrated, keeping extra ice in his race cooler and always knowing where to go if weather turns dangerous.

“Understanding where your seats are, where your closest exits are, understanding where you can go get shelter temporarily, particularly when there's a thunderstorm and the associated risk of lightning," he explained.

(MORE: What To Do When Severe Weather Strikes)

Beyond apps and forecasts, McCrary relies on something simpler: observation.

"I'm an observer, so I watched the sky," he said. "I'm looking southwest. I'm looking west. I'm looking northwest and what does the sky look like right? Are we increasing clouds, decreasing clouds?"

After years at the track, McCrary says one thing is certain: Talladega delivers surprises both on and off the track.

“Be prepared to see things that you’ve never seen before,” he said. “Don’t be surprised at anything.”

weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.