All week heading into Sunday’s Daytona 500, eyes have been on the weather as rain is forecasted during the event. As a result, on Saturday, Feb. 14 NASCAR announced the original start time of 2:30 p.m. ET has been moved to 1:30 p.m.
The forecast calls for rains to start around 6 p.m. on Sunday evening and continue for several hours.
Incoming Rain Forces NASCAR to Change Daytona 500 Start
The weather reports are calling for at least a 50 percent chance of rains coming over Daytona International Speedway after the initial green flag is waved. With an average run time of four hours to complete all 200 laps and 500 miles, deciding to change the start time was made.
Last year, there was a 3.5-hour rain delay because of rain before William Byron took his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to Victory Lane for a second time. In 2024, the Daytona 500 was forced to Monday after persistent rains fell over the speedway for hours.
The overall goal is to run a complete race on Sunday that covers all 500 miles.
The decision was reached between NASCAR, DIS and the broadcast partners. With the new time of 1:30 p.m., the green flag is now set for 2:13 p.m. to begin the 200-lap event.
All action can be followed live on FOX-TV, MRN Radio and Sirius XM Radio.
Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe Lead Daytona 500 to Green
Once the green flag does fly to start the Great American Race on Sunday, it will be the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet of Kyle Busch showing the way. Right next to him on the front row is Chase Briscoe driving the No. 19 Toyota of Joe Gibbs Racing.
The starting field was determined through qualifying on Wednesday, followed by the Duel 150-mile races on Thursday night. The latter event locked in the entire field of starters, and who went home early.
There was some late-night drama after Anthony Alfredo appeared to make the race when the second Duel ended. However, he and the No. 62 Chevrolet of Beard Motorsports failed a post-race inspection and was eliminated from Sunday’s race.
As a result, BJ McLeod and the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet was placed into the starting line-up. Joining him as a non-chartered starter is Casey Mears in the No. 66 Chevrolet.
Circumstances Have Cut Daytona 500 Short Before
Weather has affected the Daytona 500 a few times in the past forcing it to end before all 200 laps were completed.
In 1965, Fred Lorenzen would claim victory when wet conditions forced an early ending. The next year, rain cut the race short handing the win to Richard Petty. This would be one of his seven Daytona 500 crowns.
The 2003 race was stopped after 109 laps were completed when heavy rain soaked the track. Micheal Waltrip would claim his second Harley J Earl Trophy after winning it in 2001.
A severe rainstorm in 2009 stopped the race 48 laps from completion giving NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Matt Kenseth his only D500 win. The following year, moisture created a large pothole in Turns 1 & 2 ending forcing the race to stop. It was Jamie McMurray reaping the benefit of victory for his lone Great American Race championship.
NASCAR Moves Up Daytona 500 Start Time Because of Weather