The NASCAR weekend is shaping up to be a thriller both on track and in the skies. With the Cup and Xfinity Series rolling into EchoPark Speedway and the Craftsman Truck and ARCA Menards Series battling at Lime Rock Park, weather could play a crucial role in race outcomes. As summer storms loom, drivers, teams, and fans alike will need to keep one eye on the radar.

Key Highlights

EchoPark Speedway forecast shows 50–60% rain chances Friday and Saturday.

Friday night’s Xfinity race could face delays under Atlanta lights.

Lime Rock Park’s Truck and ARCA events are also threatened by potential showers.

All three national series in action with weather-induced strategy in play.

Broadcast networks include TNT, FOX, The CW, FS1, FS2, and truTV.

Friday Forecast – Showers Threaten Practice and Xfinity Night Race

Friday’s schedule includes practice, qualifying, and a headlining race under the lights—but clear skies aren’t guaranteed. EchoPark Speedway will host Xfinity and Cup Series qualifying ahead of the Focused Health 250. Meanwhile, the Truck and ARCA Menards Series will complete practice and qualifying sessions at Lime Rock Park.

Friday Weather at EchoPark Speedway:

Daytime: Mid-80s°F, 50% chance of rain

Nighttime: Low 70s°F, 30% chance of rain

These conditions may impact Cup Series qualifying at 5:05 PM ET and especially the Xfinity Series race at 7:30 PM ET. While a full cancellation is unlikely, delays or red flags are possible.

Xfinity Series Entry Highlights:

Connor Zilisch returns for JR Motorsports in the No. 88

Aric Almirola takes the wheel of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Patrick Staropoli , Nick Leitz , and Katherine Legge among notable entries

With 38 drivers set to qualify, the entire field will race regardless of weather, adding urgency to adapt quickly to changing track conditions.

Saturday Outlook – Rain Could Disrupt Truck and Cup Series Action

Saturday features a fully stacked lineup across both tracks, and while the atmosphere promises excitement, the weather may bring uncertainty. Rain is more likely during the daytime at both locations.

Saturday Weather at EchoPark Speedway:

Daytime: Mid-80s°F, 60% chance of rain

Nighttime: Low 70s°F, 30% chance of rain

Saturday Weather at Lime Rock Park (projected similar):

Scattered showers with humidity in play

Potential for brief interruptions during qualifying or race sessions

The LiUNA! 150 Truck Series race at 1:00 PM ET and ARCA’s Lime Rock 100 at 4:00 PM ET could see teams adjust strategy for wet conditions—particularly tire selection and pit timing.

Truck Series Entry Highlights:

Jordan Taylor debuts in the No. 7 for Spire Motorsports

William Lambros , Wesley Slimp , and Thomas Annunziata make series debuts

35 trucks entered— no one will be sent home

Atlanta

ET Fri

3-CW App-Xfin qual

5:05-TruTv-Cup qual

7-CW-Prerace

7:30-CW-Xfin race 45-45-73

NWS:80s (70s night), 50% rain day, 30% night Sat

6:30-TNT-Prerace

7-TNT-Cup race 60-100-100

NWS: 80s (70s night), 60% day, 30% night — Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 24, 2025

At EchoPark, all eyes will be on TNT’s debut Cup Series broadcast with the Quaker State 400 at 7:00 PM ET. This race marks the first leg of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, adding pressure for teams to perform, rain or shine.

Strategy Shifts, Broadcast Impacts, and the Role of Weather in Race Drama

Unsettled weather often creates unpredictable racing—and for NASCAR, that’s both a challenge and a selling point. Variable conditions can flip the script, favoring road course ringers, savvy crew chiefs, or teams with aggressive pit calls.

Additionally, wet forecasts could impact broadcast windows, especially on Friday night. The CW and truTV will need to remain flexible, especially if the Xfinity race or Cup qualifying is delayed.

TNT’s return, featuring a star-studded team led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte, and Adam Alexander, is another storyline to watch. Whether Saturday’s race goes off on time or not, fans will be introduced to TNT’s immersive, on-site presentation for the first time in over a decade.

Meanwhile, streaming platforms like Max and Bleacher Report will play a pivotal role in race coverage, ensuring fans stay connected even if rain throws a wrench into live coverage plans.

News in Brief: NASCAR Atlanta weather

The weekend forecast may have some clouds hanging over it, but the action on track is still expected to shine. With three NASCAR national series in action and TNT’s highly anticipated return, the weather adds one more variable to an already intriguing slate. As always, NASCAR finds ways to adapt, and this weekend will be no different—rain tires, split strategies, and flexible broadcasts are all in play.

ALSO READ: EchoPark Speedway’s Most Recent Cup Series Winners

ExxonMobil’s $467 billion empire is turbocharging NASCAR’s broadcast revolution. Its Mobil 1 brand will sponsor exclusive segments during The CW’s Xfinity Series coverage starting July 5 at the Chicago Street Race.

The multi-race integration marks NASCAR’s most ambitious content partnership since The CW Network secured broadcast rights this year. Mobil 1’s deep pockets signal corporate confidence in the series’ surging viewership as the network reshapes racing entertainment.

Mobil 1 Claims Victory Lane in CW Network’s Xfinity Series Makeover

Five races will feature “Mobil 1 Victory Lane” post-win driver interviews, injecting the lubricant brand into NASCAR’s most iconic celebration. Additional branded elements include:

Pre-race “Keys to Mobil 1 Victory Lane” strategy segments

“Mobil 1 Victory Lane Leaderboard Updates” after Stages 1 and 2

“Mobil 1 Winning Moment” race-defining replay highlights

“Mobil 1 Victory Lane Interview & Celebration” with the winning driver

.@Mobil1 has a new integrated ad buy with @TheCW for NASCAR Xfinity coverage, with the lubricants brand to sponsor segments for five races starting at Chicago: “Mobil 1 Victory Lane” driver interviews, a pre-race “Keys” segment and leaderboard updates after Stages Nos. 1 and 2. pic.twitter.com/mBJ5srQrmw — Adam Stern (@A_S12) June 26, 2025

The Chicago launch on July 5, 2025, kicks off a strategic schedule that continues at:

Watkins Glen – August 9,

Daytona – August 22,

Talladega – October 18,

Phoenix’s season finale – November 1

ExxonMobil’s North America Marketing Manager, Austin Johansen, framed the move as fan-centric and said, “Our goal is to provide fans with new ways to experience the sport we love, bringing them closer to the action.”

NASCAR’s Chief Partnership Officer, Michelle Byron, emphasized legacy alignment, saying, “Mobil 1 Victory Lane has become a signature celebration in our sport, and we’re thrilled that our partners are committed to showcasing this iconic experience during the NASCAR Xfinity Series on The CW.”

The CW’s Dan Lanzano noted, “This initiative is the result of continued collaboration and innovation between The CW, Mobil 1, and NASCAR Productions teams to enhance the Xfinity Series viewing experience for race fans around the country,” highlighting how brands now weave directly into NASCAR’s storytelling fabric.

But this isn’t a superficial sponsorship. Technical insights from Mobil 1 engineers will feature in pre-race segments, leveraging the brand’s two decades of NASCAR technical partnership. The deal exemplifies how blue-chip advertisers now demand deeper integration beyond logo slaps.

CW’s NASCAR Bet Ignites Audience Surge

The Mobil 1 deal reinforces The CW’s successful gamble on NASCAR. The Xfinity race at Pocono shattered all previous records, peaking at 1,575,000. Seventeen consecutive races surpassed 1 million viewers, marking the series’ strongest start since 2016.

Network executives credit authentic brand integrations for boosting engagement. The live pre-race show, “NASCAR COUNTDOWN LIVE,” has become a launchpad for organic sponsor activations, featuring drivers and broadcast talent in unscripted moments.

Read More: Xfinity Series Makes Its Case As NASCAR’s Best Product After Pocono Ratings Surge

Demographics reveal the real win. The CW’s younger-skewing audience aligns perfectly with NASCAR’s growth strategy. As Johansen stated, the partnership celebrates “the energy that makes NASCAR so memorable” while attracting elusive Gen Z viewers.

Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway race will test the model’s momentum. With 17 brands activating during February’s Daytona opener, The CW proves NASCAR’s second-tier series drives premium advertiser value.

Chicago’s street course now becomes Mobil 1’s laboratory. Expect camera angles focused on sponsored signage during winner burnouts and tech-focused commentary during critical passes.

TNT Sports is back with NASCAR Cup Series racing for the first time in years, and it starts with a packed weekend schedule. FOX Sports, The CW, and Amazon Prime Video are also in the mix, with races, practice, and qualifying split across networks. But something new is changing how people follow the action. From morning until night, screens will be busy across multiple tracks. And with one fresh tournament in play, this isn’t just a normal weekend at EchoPark Speedway or Lime Rock Park.

Key Highlights

TNT returns to NASCAR with the Quaker State 400 on June 28

Xfinity’s Focused Health 250 airs on The CW , with qualifying via CW App

Truck Series’ LiUNA! 150 airs on FOX , with practice on FS2 and qualifying on FS1

TNT races stream live on Max with the B/R Sports Add-On

truTV airs Cup Series qualifying and the new In-Season Challenge AltCast

Where to Watch This Weekend’s Races

This weekend’s NASCAR action is spread across EchoPark Speedway and Lime Rock Park, and there’s something for every type of viewer—from traditional cable users to digital streamers.

Full Schedule – Friday, June 27 (All times ET)

1:05 PM – Truck Series Practice (Lime Rock Park) – FS2

2:30 PM – ARCA Menards Series Practice (Lime Rock Park)

3:00 PM – Xfinity Series Qualifying (EchoPark Speedway) – CW App

3:45 PM – ARCA Menards Series Qualifying (Lime Rock Park)

5:05 PM – Cup Series Qualifying (EchoPark Speedway) – truTV

7:30 PM – Xfinity Series: Focused Health 250 (Race) – The CW

Full Schedule – Saturday, June 28

9:30 AM – Truck Series Qualifying (Lime Rock Park) – FS1

1:00 PM – Truck Series: LiUNA! 150 (Race) – FOX

4:00 PM – ARCA Menards Series: Lime Rock 100 (Race)

7:00 PM – Cup Series: Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart (Race) – TNT & Max

Cheat Sheet by Series

NASCAR Cup Series : Race on TNT, qualifying on truTV, stream on Max

NASCAR Xfinity Series : Race on The CW, qualifying via CW App

NASCAR Truck Series: Race on FOX, practice on FS2, qualifying on FS1

Whether you’re tuning in from the couch or streaming on the go, there are more options than ever before to watch the action unfold.

TNT’s Comeback: What Fans Can Expect on Broadcast & Digital

After more than a decade away, TNT Sports is back in the broadcast booth—and they’re not coming quietly. As part of NASCAR’s landmark rights agreement, TNT has secured a five-race summer window, starting with this weekend’s Quaker State 400.

Here’s the full TNT broadcast schedule:

June 28 – EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)

July 6 – Chicago Street Race

July 13 – Sonoma Raceway

July 20 – Dover Motor Speedway

July 27 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Brickyard 400)

TNT’s return is more than just nostalgic. It’s packed with modern production value, including:

On-site studio coverage at every race

Simulcasts on Max (via the B/R Sports Add-On)

On-board cameras, team radio feeds, and a new AltCast experience on truTV

And the broadcast crew is stacked:

Adam Alexander on play-by-play

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte as analysts

Pit road reporting from Marty Snider , Danielle Trotta , and Alan Cavanna

Studio coverage hosted by Shannon Spake , with Jamie McMurray and Parker Kligerman

Mamba Smith adds digital and social flavor via Bleacher Report

This isn’t just a return—it’s a reintroduction for a new era of fans.

The Bigger Picture: How NASCAR’s Broadcast Landscape Is Changing

The 2025 NASCAR media deal marks a clear evolution in how races are delivered to fans. Four broadcast partners—FOX, NBC, Amazon Prime Video, and TNT Sports—now split the 38-race Cup Series schedule, each bringing its own style, talent, and technology.

While FOX and NBC continue their legacy coverage at the start and end of the season, Amazon and TNT are redefining the summer stretch. Amazon just wrapped its five-race stint with positive fan reviews, especially for its Carl Edwards-led studio team and comprehensive post-race shows.

Now it’s TNT’s turn. With the launch of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, fans get a new reason to watch: a bracket-style tournament where drivers face off across TNT’s five races. The winner? A cool $1 million and midseason bragging rights.

Plus, fans now have:

Practice and qualifying streamed on Max

AltCasts and analytics-driven coverage on truTV

Race recaps, highlights, and social clips from Bleacher Report

News in Brief: How to Watch Every NASCAR Race This Weekend

This weekend’s races don’t just represent another chapter in the 2025 NASCAR season—they mark a pivotal point in how fans experience the sport. With TNT Sports returning to the Cup Series, streaming options expanding, and a new midseason tournament raising the stakes, NASCAR is embracing a future where accessibility and entertainment go hand in hand.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) this weekend for the Focused Health 250—the second and final visit of 2025 to the fast 1.54-mile quad-oval. But before the field goes green under the Friday night lights, drivers will have one chance to lock in their starting position.

Qualifying for the Xfinity Series event begins Friday at 3 p.m. ET, streaming live on The CW App, with the main event following at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW and PRN Radio. The session features a straightforward one-lap, one-round format—meaning there’s no room for error.

Before engines fire, let’s break down the format, the top drivers to watch, and the full qualifying order for this pivotal midseason race.

Key Highlights:

One-lap qualifying format: All 38 drivers get a single timed lap to set their place.

Qualifying airs Friday, June 27 at 3 p.m. ET on The CW App.

Race follows at 7:30 p.m. ET, televised on The CW.

Metric-based qualifying order determined by prior race finish (70%) + owner points (30%).

Rookies like Carson Kvapil, William Sawalich, and Connor Zilisch will be drivers to watch.

Qualifying Format: Pressure on the Clock

The format for Xfinity qualifying at EchoPark is designed to be both fair and thrilling. Each of the 38 drivers will make one solo lap in the first round, with the top 10 advancing to a final round where the pole winner will be decided. This condensed layout means track conditions and execution matter more than ever.

The qualifying order itself was set using NASCAR’s standard performance metric, which weighs 70% of the team’s previous finish and 30% of its current points position. This helps shuffle the field and sometimes places faster cars near the back in qualifying order—introducing variables like track evolution and changing weather conditions.

Fast Names, Rising Rookies, and Underdog Watch

Connor Zilisch, one of the sport’s hottest rising talents, will take the final qualifying run—often a strategic advantage. His No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet will be one to watch, especially with Mardy Lindley returning atop the pit box after a one-race suspension. The 17-year-old is coming off a huge win at Pocono, and momentum is fully in his corner.

Jesse Love, another phenom, will go just before Zilisch. His average qualifying position this year is among the best, and with five poles already to his name in 2024, he’s a serious threat again.

Veteran Justin Allgaier starts toward the end of the session and could thrive under pressure. Meanwhile, Christian Eckes and Carson Kvapil, both rookies, add intrigue to the final ten drivers. Eckes is better known for his Truck Series success, but this weekend could show just how versatile he is.

Also in the mix:

Sam Mayer (6.1 metric) — a steady performer looking for his first pole of 2025

Daniel Dye — a rookie with road course skills now applying his craft on ovals

Aric Almirola — driving Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car as a one-off, always a sleeper for pole

At the other end of the spectrum, Katherine Legge will be first to take the track. She leads a group of lesser-funded or part-time entries, where simply making a clean lap is the goal.

Complete NASCAR Xfinity Qualifying Order at EchoPark Speedway

Rank Car No. Driver Metric Score 1 32 Katherine Legge 40.4 2 24 Patrick Staropoli 40.1 3 5 Kris Wright 36.1 4 35 Joey Gase 35.8 5 71 Ryan Ellis 31.1 6 19 Aric Almirola 30.2 7 53 Mason Magioo 29.7 8 7 Nick Lietz 29.1 9 14 Garrett Smithley 28.7 10 31 Blaine Perkins 28.7 11 0 Sheldon Creed 28.2 12 10 Daniel Dye 27.1 13 70 Leland Honeyman 26.7 14 28 Kyle Sieg 26.5 15 91 CJ McLaughlin 25.4 16 21 Austin Hill 25.4 17 48 Nick Sanchez 24.4 18 45 Mason Massey 23.6 19 4 Parker Retzlaff 23.2 20 18 William Sawalich 21.9 21 99 Matt DiBenedetto 20.8 22 26 Dean Thompson 17.6 23 44 Brennan Poole 17.5 24 11 Josh Williams 16.5 25 42 Anthony Alfredo 16 26 51 Jeremy Clements 15 27 20 Brandon Jones 15 28 25 Harrison Burton 14.3 29 27 Jeb Burton 10.4 30 54 Taylor Gray 10.2 31 8 Sammy Smith 7.4 32 7 Justin Allgaier 7.3 33 16 Christian Eckes 7.2 34 39 Ryan Sieg 6.8 35 1 Carson Kvapil 6.3 36 41 Sam Mayer 6.1 37 2 Jesse Love 2.9 38 88 Connor Zilisch 1.3

News in Brief: NASCAR Atlanta Xfinity qualifying Order

With the Focused Health 250 looming, every lap will matter—starting with the very first ones in qualifying. The blend of seasoned veterans, Cup regulars, and fearless rookies promises an unpredictable Friday afternoon session.

As NASCAR’s future stars like Zilisch, Kvapil, and Sawalich line up against proven winners like Allgaier and Mayer, fans can expect a fierce fight for every spot on the grid.

ALSO READ: NASCAR 2025 Xfinity Race Focused Health 250 Detailed Highlights

The engines won’t all be roaring from the same track this weekend as NASCAR delivers a full-course meal of high-speed action across two different venues. The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series will battle under the lights at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway), while the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series takes on the twists and turns of Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. With 113 combined entries and several new faces in the field, June 27–28 promises to be one of the most diverse and action-packed weekends of the 2025 season.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the schedule, along with full entry lists for all three national series.

Friday’s Fast Track: Practice, Qualifying, and Xfinity Lights

Friday, June 27, will see the weekend’s first green flag waves, starting with early afternoon practice sessions and wrapping up under the lights in Atlanta.

Full Schedule (ET) – Friday, June 27

1:05 PM – Truck Series Practice – Lime Rock Park

2:30 PM – ARCA Menards Series Practice – Lime Rock Park

3:00 PM – Xfinity Series Qualifying – EchoPark Speedway

3:45 PM – ARCA Menards Series Qualifying – Lime Rock Park

5:05 PM – Cup Series Qualifying – EchoPark Speedway

7:30 PM – Xfinity Series: Focused Health 250 (Race) – EchoPark Speedway

Xfinity Series Entry Highlights – Focused Health 250

Thirty-eight entries mean no one goes home before the Friday night showdown. Pocono winner Connor Zilisch is back in the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, though with a twist—Mardy Lindley returns to crew chief duties after serving a one-race suspension.

Notables to Watch:

Nick Leitz in the No. 07 for SS-GreenLight Racing

Aric Almirola filling in for the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Toyota

Patrick Staropoli returns in the No. 24 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota

Katherine Legge pilots the No. 32 for Jordan Anderson Racing

CJ McLaughlin reappears in the No. 91 DGM Racing Chevrolet

Mason Maggio and Joey Gase team up for JGM in the Nos. 53 and 35 respectively

Friday Night Broadcast: The CW will carry the Xfinity event live at 7:30 PM ET.

Saturday Showdowns: Trucks, ARCA, and Cup Take the Stage

Saturday, June 28, is jam-packed from morning to night with three main events—beginning with Truck qualifying and ending with the Cup Series’ first TNT race of 2025.

Full Schedule (ET) – Saturday, June 28

9:30 AM – Truck Series Qualifying – Lime Rock Park

1:00 PM – Truck Series: LiUNA! 150 (Race) – Lime Rock Park

4:00 PM – ARCA Menards Series: Lime Rock 100 (Race) – Lime Rock Park

7:00 PM – Cup Series: Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart (Race) – EchoPark Speedway

Truck Series Entry Highlights – LiUNA! 150

With a road course layout and 35 entries, everyone gets to race, including several debutants. Lime Rock Park is the first of two road courses this season for the series, and it’s drawing in talent from across motorsports.

Debuts & Intrigue:

Thomas Annunziata (#07) and Jordan Taylor (#7) debut for Spire Motorsports

William Lambros makes his series debut in the #2 for Reaume Brothers

Wesley Slimp steps in at HFR in the #62

Dale Quarterley returns in his self-owned No. 32 Chevrolet

Josh Bilicki runs the #44 for Niece Motorsports

Cam Waters returns in the #66 Ford for ThorSport

Other Notables:

Layne Riggs , fresh off a Pocono win, drives the #34 for Front Row

Brent Crews back with TRICON Garage in the #1 JBL Toyota

Toni Breidinger continues her full-time campaign in the #5

Frankie Muniz runs the #33 for Reaume Brothers Racing

Saturday Broadcast: FOX Sports 1 airs the Truck race at 1:00 PM ET.

Cup Series Spotlight: TNT Debut and Superspeedway Battles

The Cup Series closes out the weekend under the lights at EchoPark Speedway with the Quaker State 400—marking the debut of TNT’s 2025 broadcast slate.

Cup Series Entry Highlights – Quaker State 400

Forty drivers are entered, meaning no DNQs. Several part-time teams and surprise drivers will be in the mix:

Noteworthy Entries:

Corey LaJoie returns in the #01 for Rick Ware Racing

David Starr suits up in the #66 for Garage 66

BJ McLeod returns in his familiar #78 Live Fast Chevrolet

Connor Zilisch makes his third career Cup start in the #87 Trackhouse Chevy

Top Contenders:

Chase Briscoe enters with momentum after winning at Pocono

Denny Hamlin , top seed in the In-Season Tournament

Ryan Blaney , hot off a third-place run at Pocono

Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Christopher Bell continue to battle for playoff position

Saturday Broadcast: The race airs on TNT at 7:00 PM ET.

News in Brief: NASCAR Weekend Split Schedule

With three major races across two tracks and a loaded weekend schedule, NASCAR fans are in for a double-dose of action. The twisting terrain of Lime Rock will test Truck Series rookies and veterans alike, while EchoPark’s pack racing promises drama from green to checkered. Whether you’re watching under the lights or on the road course, there’s no shortage of speed, strategy, or stories this weekend. Buckle up—it’s going to be a ride.

ALSO READ: 2025 NASCAR In-Season Challenge: Bracket Set, Stars Aligned for Showdown at EchoPark

Our Reader’s Queries

Q: Is the NASCAR schedule out for 2025?

A: The 2025 schedule, released on August 29, 2024, features 30 oval races, 5 road course events, 1 street race, and 4 non-championship oval races. Start times were announced on November 13.

Q: How is a NASCAR race divided?

A: Each race is split into three stages: Stage 1, Stage 2, and the final Stage 3. Drivers earn points at the end of each stage based on their position—higher placements earn more points.