The weather is clearing and the jet dryers are working. Hopefully, the track will dry in plenty of time for the scheduled race start shortly after noon ET Monday.
There is no pre-race show for rain delayed races. Allen Bestwick will call the race with Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree. Jamie Little, Vince Welch, Dave Burns and Dr. Jerry Punch will cover pit road.
This is a big race as 1.5 mile tracks dominate the Chase. There should be a competition caution around lap 30 to check tire wear on the green track. Even though the track is dry, the grass at the track will still be soaking wet.
These Monday races are often better TV presentations than the pre-planned and over-produced Sunday shows. The focus is simply on the racing as most of the bells and whistles are gone. The announcers are tired and the hype is left at the hotel.
This race will feature ESPN Nonstop, the side-by-side commercial format, for the second half of the event. The telecast will also be available online for the first time. Right now it's Time Warner, Bright House and Verizon FiOs users who also have ESPN that are able to use the Watch ESPN app for coverage.
Ultimately, the story of this race is going to be the ability to pass on this aero-style track. If the racing is compelling, the Chase will get another good review as it moves forward. If the lack of passing means pit road might make the difference, expect a reaction from the media and fans.
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