Among the many storylines accompanying Sunday's NASCAR playoff race at Charlotte is the chance of rain and lightning, which could add a twist to an event that will trim the postseason field from 12 to eight.
Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Clint Bowyer and Aric Almirola likely need a victory at the ROVAL course to advance to the next round. Inclement weather conditions for the competition might provide the type of chaos they need to get that done.
Just look at how Saturday's Xfinity Series race ended at the same venue:
MORE: NASCAR's special rain rules for ROVAL, explained
While some rain is OK for racing Sunday, lightning would prompt an automatic delay of at least 30 minutes, according to NASCAR. Fans have witnessed that rule go into effect several times in the 2020 season.
So it's important to keep an eye on live forecasts throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. The competition is supposed to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Below are the latest weather updates for the Charlotte area on Sunday as NASCAR tries to get through its final Round of 12 playoff race by the end of the weekend.
NASCAR race weather updates for Charlotte ROVAL
Heading into Sunday, the forecast for Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., indicated an 80 percent chance of rain and possible afternoon thunderstorms. The Bank of America ROVAL 400 is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET. Infield lights have been installed at the venue, meaning the race could finish at night if it encounters lightning delays.
NASCAR is letting drivers use rain tires if needed, anticipating runs through light to mild rains.
This post will carry live weather updates for the Cup Series race starting a couple of hours before its scheduled start time.
5:15 p.m.: With 20 laps to go in the race, there is a chance of rain before the checkered flag.
2:21 p.m.: The race will start on time.
2:14 p.m.: Still looking like rain could be avoided.
1:39 p.m.: Two tire types are ready for use in case rain does come down.
1:30 p.m.: Conditions are actually OK so far.
What time does the NASCAR race start today?
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 11
- Start time: 2:30 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NBC
NASCAR starting lineup for ROVAL course
| Starting spot | Driver | Car No. | Team |
| 1 | Denny Hamlin (P) | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 2 | Chase Elliott (P) | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 3 | Brad Keselowski (P) | 2 | Team Penske |
| 4 | Kevin Harvick (P) | 4 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 5 | Alex Bowman (P) | 88 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 6 | Austin Dillon (P) | 3 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 7 | Martin Truex Jr. (P) | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 8 | Joey Logano (P) | 22 | Team Penske |
| 9 | Kyle Busch (P) | 18 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 10 | Kurt Busch (P) | 1 | Chip Ganassi Racing |
| 11 | Clint Bowyer (P) | 14 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 12 | Aric Almirola (P) | 10 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 13 | William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 14 | Erik Jones | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 15 | Ryan Newman | 6 | Roush Fenway Racing |
| 16 | Tyler Reddick | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 17 | Ty Dillon | 13 | Germain Racing |
| 18 | Ryan Preece | 37 | JTG Daughtery Racing |
| 19 | John Hunter Nemechek | 38 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 20 | Matt DiBenedetto | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing |
| 21 | Chris Buescher | 17 | Roush Fenway Racing |
| 22 | Brennan Poole | 15 | Premium Motorsports |
| 23 | Matt Kenseth | 42 | Chip Ganassi Racing |
| 24 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
| 25 | Quin Houff | 00 | StarCom Racing |
| 26 | Bubba Wallace | 43 | Richard Petty Motorsports |
| 27 | Timmy Hill | 66 | Motorsports Business Management |
| 28 | Cole Custer | 41 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 29 | Joey Gase | 51 | Petty Ware Racing |
| 30 | Jimmy Johnson | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 31 | Michael McDowell | 34 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 32 | Corey LaJoie | 32 | Go Fas Racing |
| 33 | JJ Yeley | 27 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 34 | Daniel Suarez | 96 | Gaunt Brothers Racing |
| 35 | Christopher Bell | 95 | Leavine Family Racing |
| 36 | Gray Gaulding | 127 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 37 | James Davison | 53 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 38 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | JTG Daughtery Racing |