Rain has always been a major problem for NASCAR. The sanctioning body that loves to control everything it can get its hands on has never been able to control Mother Nature. With cars that are unable to run in the rain, inclement weather has forced many a delay and cancellation over the years.

There have been a number of ideas that have been brought up to help address the issue, but one thing that seems like it has never come up can be found on baseball diamonds around the nation. Whenever rains hit a baseball game, the field crew rolls out the tarp to cover the most important part of the playing field – the infield diamond. Why can’t NASCAR do the same thing with the racing surface?

Whenever it rains at a NASCAR event, drivers, crews and fans alike are forced to wait out the rain before the jet dryers make their way onto the track. By that time, the surface is soaked and extensive effort and time is required to slowly dry the track. Trucks pulling jet engines behind them creep around the track, blowing hot air onto the surface while everyone simply sits and waits. Not to mention the expensive jet fuel used to power the dryers. There has to be a better way.

With the new SAFER barriers installed at the majority of NASCAR facilities, it seems something could be developed that could be stored in the wall that would easily roll out before the track is lost to rain, yet can be contained when not needed. That way, once the rains pass, the track workers could retract the covering and have a much easier and quicker time getting the surface ready for racing.

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