Heavy rain hits Richmond, floods garage

The Nationwide Series official hauler and about a dozen other team transporters were flooded by several inches of standing water, even an hour after rain had subsided at the .75-mile track. The race teams placed their cars on jackstands to avoid submersion, but the rainwater was deep enough to cover the tops of the scales in the NASCAR inspection area.

Crewmembers walked from their haulers in the garage area in bare feet and rolled-up pants legs after the gully-washer.

Nationwide teams were approximately 50 minutes into a final 90-minute practice session when lightning in the area forced NASCAR officials to order spotters down from their rooftop perch, putting a hold on on-track activity. About 10 minutes later, the skies opened with torrential rain to wash out the remainder of the session.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, recently renamed the Junie Donlavey Garage in honor of the Richmond native and longtime team owner, was not affected by the heavy rain. But the third-turn vehicle tunnel was flooded with 6-8 inches of water, according to a track maintenance worker.

Drivers even took to social media to express their feelings on the heavy rain.

A lot of water in the @NASCAR_NNS garage @RIRInsider pic.twitter.com/FRncq0jLDP

— RCR (@RCRracing) September 4, 2014

How do the @nascar officials pass the time? Fishin pic.twitter.com/2dKbmRLuwt

— RCR (@RCRracing) September 4, 2014

It’s official the car is now flooded. It has now flooded 14 inches and not letting up @RIRInsider #needabiggerboat pic.twitter.com/qyAIjrPfvH

— Joey Gase Racing (@JoeyGaseRacing) September 4, 2014

Not good this is a gully washer here pic.twitter.com/WMv1tdiIa4

— Ty Dillon (@tydillon) September 4, 2014

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