FORT WORTH — It was supposed to be a big Sunday for race fans at Texas Motor Speedway, but it turned into a drizzly disappointment.
Both the Samsung Mobile 500 and the already-delayed O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 races have been postponed until Monday, a move that could disrupt your morning commute.
At least 100,000 fans are expected for the double-header, and anticipated traffic problems are also forcing some school districts to re-think getting students to class safely.
Race fans waited in vain all weekend in the mud and rain at TMS for the action on the track to begin.
"We have been hibernating in the campgrounds all weekend," said race fan Dennis Bass. "It's been a little wet."
About 2½ inches of rain fell at the track Saturday and Sunday. The forecast Monday calls for cloudy skies with only a minimal chance of rain.
Krista Saunders of Canada is ready for the raindrops to move along. "It would be nice for it to go away so we can have the race and enjoy it," she said.
But other die-hard racing fans were rolling with the cancellations. "We have still been enjoying ourselves, watching movies," Bass said. "The kids have been on the track three or four times. They are having fun."
Drivers heading into Monday's morning rush hour won't likely be having any fun at all.
Race day delays and possible closures on Highway 114, FM 156 and other roads surrounding Texas Motor Speedway will bring bumper-to-bumper traffic around the massive venue and also at nearby schools.
But despite the anticipated traffic troubles, all Northwest ISD schools will be open. The district has re-routed its buses.
Still, administrators expect slow starts Monday morning at the following campuses:
- Northwest High School
- Pike Middle School
- Hatfield Elementary School
- Clara Love Elementary School
Parents who want to avoid traffic headaches can drop their children off at the nearest school bus stop listed on the district's Web site. Bus transportation will be open to all students on Monday.
Back at the TMS campground, some families were staying put for race day — skipping work and school for a spot in the stands.
"I'm staying for Monday and taking the kids out of school, let them see their first NASCAR event," Bass said.
The gates at the race track open at 9 a.m. Monday. Fans with tickets to either event can attend both races.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
