NASCAR's Cup Series qualifying has become increasingly vulnerable to rain, and the upcoming event at Nashville Superspeedway is no exception. Forecasts call for a 55% chance of precipitation on Saturday, raising the likelihood of a second consecutive rain‑out that would push the Cracker Barrel 400 grid‑setting ceremony into Sunday.
How NASCAR's New Metric Works
In the event qualifying is washed out, NASCAR will employ a two‑variable metric introduced as a streamlined alternative to the previous four‑variable system. The metric compresses performance data into a single score, with lower values translating to better starting positions. This approach aims to reduce complexity while still rewarding on‑track speed and consistency.
Should the metric be applied, the projected starting lineup reflects a blend of recent performance trends and statistical adjustments. Drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell are positioned near the front, while others including Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott fall further back. The full order is derived from the latest race results and the metric's calculations.
Sunday Night Racing and Broadcast Details
Despite the threat of afternoon thunderstorms, the Cracker Barrel 400 is scheduled to run as a night race on Sunday, May 31, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The event will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video, giving fans a chance to see the newly determined grid in action under the lights.