Sparta, Ky. ? Heavy rain forced the suspension of the Kroger 300 Busch Series race Saturday night, with Greg Biffle leading after 86 of 200 laps.

The race was scheduled to resume at noon today.

The event was delayed at 8:10 p.m. CDT as a 20-minute downpour and lightning descended on Kentucky Speedway, sending most of the track-record crowd of 71,299 fans scurrying for shelter.

Officials worked for more than 90 minutes to dry the track, but another lengthy shower at about 10:25 p.m. forced the suspension of the race until today.

Biffle passed Jason Keller on the backstretch on lap 74 to take his first lead of the night. Keller was second when the race was stopped, followed by brothers Jay and Tim Sauter.