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All of Friday's on-track activity has been canceled as rain pounds Dover International Speedway. Weather forecasts for the rest of the weekend remain in flux with Hurricane Joaquin lurking out in the Atlantic Ocean, but the worst of the rainfall projections could have implications on the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup -- if they prove to be true.
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Dover is the third race of NASCAR's 10-race postseason, making it the final race of the Challenger Round in which four drivers are eliminated from the initial field of 16.
So, what would happen if the rain is severe enough over the weekend and early next week to postpone the race at Dover?
The answer lies in the NASCAR rule book, which states that four drivers will be eliminated from the postseason after the 29th race of the season. If Dover were to get postponed, and if the scheduled Oct. 10 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway takes place as scheduled, then the Charlotte event would be the 29th race of the season and therefore act as the final race of the Challenger Round.
MORE: Updated weekend schedule