Nascar Today: Atlanta qualifying canceled by lightning; Chase Elliott to start fourth

nascar today — HAMPTON, Ga. — Mother Nature claimed its first victim on Saturday in terms of the NASCAR schedule at Atlanta Motor Speedway, when Cup Series qualifying was nixed because of lightning in the area and the starting lineup was set by the governing body's metric.

Lightning halts qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Qualifying did not take place after lightning moved into the area around the speedway, and officials used the governing body's metric to set the grid. The announcement left the order of cars in place for Sunday afternoon's race.

Nascar Today: Chase Elliott lined up fourth

Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team benefited from the metric placement. Elliott, who finished fourth in last week's DAYTONA 500, will line up fourth on Sunday afternoon.

Hendrick Motorsports contingent and starting spots

Rounding out the Hendrick Motorsports contingent, William Byron will start 13th, Kyle Larson 16th and Alex Bowman 36th. The release offered a look at the full starting grid.

Race time and broadcast details

Sunday's race is set for a 3 p. m. start and will air on FOX.

The schedule now moves forward with the lineup fixed by the metric and the field set for the 3 p. m. start on Sunday.