NASCAR All-Star Race night underway after rain delay

NASCAR's All-Stars were on hold for a bit Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The running of the All-Star Race, and its precursor the Sprint Showdown, was delayed by rain.

Saturday night's festivities were scheduled to start with the Sprint Showdown, two 20-lap segments around the 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway, at 7:30 p.m. The prelim race didn't start until 8:07.

The winner and runner-up from that event, plus the fan vote winner, will join the 19 drivers already qualified for the All-Star Race.

The All-Star Race originally was set to go off about 9 p.m. ET.

NASCAR's new track drying technology, the Air Titan, which was used two weeks ago at Talladega Superspeedway, is not at the track. However, there are lights at Charlotte, so truck dryers and time were on NASCAR's side.

Sunday's weather forecast for the area includes scattered thunderstorms and a 60 percent chance of rain.