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As NASCAR prepares for a potentially frigid running of the Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in 2026, with forecasts predicting temperatures struggling to reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit and lows dipping to around 12 degrees Fahrenheit (with wind chills potentially in the single digits) for an 8 p.m. EST green flag, the sport’s history offers a chilling reminder of races contested in extreme cold. The prospect of racing in such conditions prompts a look back at the coldest Cup Series events on record, highlighting the unique challenges and adaptations drivers, teams, and officials have faced when battling the elements on the racetrack.
The benchmark for NASCAR’s coldest Cup Series race, particularly in the modern era, is widely considered to be the event held on Sunday, February 25, 1990, at Richmond International Raceway. On that day, the mercury struggled to climb, reaching a high of only 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) as the green flag dropped for the second race of the season, following the 32nd running of the Daytona 500. This temperature hovers precisely at the freezing point of water, presenting a significant environmental challenge for a high-speed motorsport.
Broadcasting the event, CBS announcer Ken Squier famously welcomed viewers with a description that captured the stark reality: "It is a bright, beautiful, sunlit day here at Richmond International Raceway. There’s only one problem – it is cold. Frosty the Snowman would want time-and-a-half for this one." The brisk wind further exacerbated the cold, creating an environment where even simple tasks became arduous.
The impact of the frigid conditions was immediately apparent. Teams were forced to implement drastic measures to keep their machinery functioning optimally. Radiators were completely taped up, a common practice to restrict airflow and maintain engine operating temperatures. Even broadcast equipment was not immune, with CBS reporting technical difficulties with their helicopter camera due to the low temperatures. On the ground, crew members and the hardy fans in attendance were seen bundled in multiple layers, preparing for hours exposed to the elements.
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A primary concern for all involved was the behavior of the racing tires. With temperatures at or near freezing, the risk of cold tires lacking sufficient grip was a significant factor. NASCAR, in an effort to mitigate potential safety issues and ensure fair competition, allowed for extended periods between engine start-up and rolling off pit road, giving the cars and their tires a crucial window to warm up. Beyond the mechanical aspects, teams also worried about the physical toll on their pit crews. The extended idle periods between stops meant crews had to contend with stiffening muscles, increasing the likelihood of unforced errors during critical pit stops.
The regulations regarding tire preparation were also tested. NASCAR did not permit the use of tire warmers at the time. This led to innovative, albeit sometimes unorthodox, attempts by teams to maintain tire temperature. The Alan Kulwicki-owned No. 7 team, for instance, was reportedly observed pointing a heater at a set of tires, only to have the device unplugged by officials. Their subsequent attempt involved covering the tires with a tarp in hopes of retaining residual warmth.
The starting grid for that historic cold-weather race featured Ricky Rudd on pole position. Notably, NASCAR legend Richard Petty began the event from the rear of the field, a position also occupied by Dale Earnhardt due to a wreck in practice that necessitated the use of a backup car.
The race itself, despite the challenging conditions, began relatively cleanly. However, the cold and potential for reduced grip led to an early incident on Lap 4 when Rob Moroso spun on the frontstretch, causing a minor chain-reaction. Beyond this, the race largely proceeded as expected, with Earnhardt’s ambitious charge from the back of the field becoming a focal point of the narrative. In the closing laps, Rusty Wallace held the lead, but a strategic two-tire call by Mark Martin on the final pit stop proved decisive. Martin went on to lead the final 15 laps, securing the victory. Earnhardt finished second, with Wallace rounding out the podium in third. While this race was notably cold, it was spared the added complication of inclement weather, a factor that has plagued other races in the series’ history.
The 1990 Richmond race serves as a significant historical marker, but it is not the only instance of NASCAR grappling with extreme cold. Several other events have etched themselves into the sport’s memory due to weather-related challenges, including snow and icy conditions.
One of the most visually striking cold-weather races occurred at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2006. This event became colloquially known as the "Snow-Bowl Derby." The track was blanketed in snow on race morning, with temperatures hovering around 34 degrees Fahrenheit at the start of the Cup Series race. The preceding O’Reilly Series race had been halted earlier due to snow flurries, demonstrating the pervasive nature of the winter storm. Despite the wintry conditions, both races were ultimately completed. The post-race celebrations were as memorable as the race itself, with winner Kurt Busch performing snow angels on the finish line, even though the snow had largely melted by that point. The event concluded with typical Bristol drama, as Jeff Gordon was involved in a post-race confrontation with Matt Kenseth following late-race contact.
In 2008, Atlanta Motor Speedway experienced a significant blizzard on March 8th. High winds contributed to whiteout conditions, making the already frigid temperatures feel even more extreme. A thin layer of snow covered the grandstands. While qualifying was canceled due to the snow, the O’Reilly Series race managed to proceed later in the day. Although ambient temperatures rose above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind speeds exceeding 30 mph created wind chills that were nearly unbearable for spotters positioned atop the track. Michael Waltrip was among the drivers who had to navigate these challenging conditions, as evidenced by images of him signing autographs amidst the snow.
The following year, in 2009, Texas Motor Speedway faced its own cold snap. On April 7th, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race commenced in chilly conditions, with temperatures reaching a brisk 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Even colder temperatures were recorded during Cup Series qualifying earlier in the day, underscoring the unseasonable weather for early April in Texas.
Martinsville Speedway has also been a site of weather-related disruptions. In 2018, a significant snow and ice storm impacted the March 25th race weekend, forcing NASCAR to postpone the Cup Series event to Monday. The Truck Series race, which had failed to reach the halfway mark on Saturday before the storm system moved in, joined the Cup Series for a Monday double-header. Track crews worked diligently to clear the snow and ice from the famously short track, a testament to the commitment to getting the racing back on schedule. On Monday, while the snow had subsided, the air temperature remained frigid, starting the Truck race at a mere 31 degrees Fahrenheit.
More recently, Martinsville played host to another chilly night race in 2022. Following a day of rain and sleet that delayed the start of the Cup Series event, the weather cleared, but the temperatures remained decidedly cool. Fans in the grandstands were seen bundled up as NASCAR conducted a rare night race at the Virginia short track.
The 2023 season saw a memorable swansong for Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. A potent mix of snow and rain on Saturday, February 25th, led to the cancellation of Cup Series qualifying and the postponement of the O’Reilly Series race. While the weather improved for the main Cup Series event, which marked the final NASCAR race at the beloved track before its impending demolition, the lingering chill served as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Images from the weekend captured the atmosphere, with snow falling in the background during practice sessions.
These historical instances underscore the inherent challenges NASCAR faces when extreme weather conditions coincide with scheduled events. While the allure of speed and competition remains constant, the unpredictable nature of winter weather and low temperatures can significantly alter the racing dynamic, testing the resilience of drivers, the ingenuity of teams, and the dedication of fans who brave the cold to witness the sport they love. As NASCAR looks ahead to future races, particularly those scheduled during colder months, the lessons learned from these past frozen contests will undoubtedly inform decisions regarding driver and fan safety, as well as the overall viability of holding events under challenging meteorological circumstances.
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