By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Twelve laps into the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 400 race, the race was halted as thunderstorms with frequent lightning and damaging winds barreled toward the Chicagoland Speedway.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 400 race, originally set to start at 2:16 p.m. CDT, was moved up by officials to closer to 2 p.m. due to the threat for thunderstorms.
"Right before the green flag was dropped, lightning was within 10 miles of the track ," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert. "That should have prompted NASCAR officials to halt the race."
We have detected lightning within 8 miles of Chicagoland Speedway. We are temporarily suspending track activity. Please clear the seating area, implement your personal safety plan and take the necessary precautions for your safety. #CampingWorld400
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Twelve laps were completed before a red flag was thrown for lightning dangers.
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The thunderstorms are bringing dangers worse than delaying Sunday afternoon's race.
Fans attend a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, on Sunday, June 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
In addition to deadly lightning strikes, the thunderstorms approaching the raceway have a history of producing damaging winds.
Stands in the racecourse, as well as trees and canopies in surrounding areas are dangerous places to be during a thunderstorm.
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"An enclosed, hardtop, metal vehicle can be a safe place to avoid being struck by lightning," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
The heat and humidity gripping northern Illinois provided the fuel for the violent thunderstorms.
Temperatures soared to around 90 F at Chicagoland Speedway before the thunderstorms arrived. When humidity was factored in, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures topped 105 F.
"Even with the thunderstorms that halted the race and the potential for another round to arrive later in the day, lights there may allow the race to be completed," Reppert said.
Around 5:40 p.m. CDT, after the track was dried, the drivers returned to their cars and prepared to resume the race and the green light was given.
Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV , Frontier and Verizon Fios.
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