Forecast storms cancel Alabama Gang 100 at short track

At a glance

— Strong thunderstorms forced cancellation of the Alabama Gang 100 at Talladega Short Track, with no makeup date planned this season.

— Nearby Talladega Superspeedway will continue its race weekend, including ARCA and Xfinity races Saturday and the Jack Link’s 500 on Sunday.

— Officials cited safety and travel concerns for teams, while fans will receive refunds for tickets, pit passes and camping at the short track.

EASTABOGA — A weekend that promised wall-to-wall racing excitement in Calhoun County will now be split by circumstance, as the potential for severe weather has canceled a dirt track competition.

Officials with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series announced the cancellation of the Alabama Gang 100 at Talladega Short Track, citing forecasts for widespread thunderstorms Friday night through Saturday.

The decision, made in consultation with Precision Weather Service, is said to have been made out of concerns for the safety of drivers, crews and fans, while also considering the financial burden of travel for teams on the national tour. The event will not be rescheduled, according to the release.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service show a 70 percent chance of storms Friday night and an 80 percent chance Saturday, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across the Eastaboga area.

While the clay will sit quiet at the short track, engines will still roar a few miles away at Talladega Superspeedway, where a full NASCAR weekend is set to continue.

Saturday’s schedule includes the ARCA Menards Series’ Alabama Manufactured Housing 200, along with the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300, both expected to draw strong crowds to the superspeedway.

The weekend culminates Sunday with the Jack Link’s 500, the premier NASCAR Cup Series event at Talladega.

Fans who purchased tickets, pit passes or camping reservations for the Alabama Gang 100 will receive refunds through Talladega Short Track, with officials encouraging anyone with questions to contact the venue directly.

Meanwhile, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series will turn its attention to upcoming races in the midwest, continuing its national tour after the unexpected weather delay.