After heavy snowfall delayed the Clash at Bowman Gray, NASCAR is set for sunny weather at Daytona’s Speedweek. However, a storm is expected on Sunday, leading NASCAR to adjust the schedule. The Daytona 500 will now start an hour earlier, at 1:30 PM EST, with the pre-race show beginning at 11:30 AM EST, both airing live on FOX. The green flag drops at 2:13 PM EST.
If it finishes before the rain, this year’s Daytona 500 could be the first to wrap up in daylight in nearly ten years. Historically, the race has faced rain delays four times: in 1965, 1966, 2003, and 2009. Recently, it has been postponed to Mondays, most recently in 2024.
Weather forecasts predict scattered showers in the morning, with thunderstorms likely after 5 PM EST. A typical 500-mile race takes around 3.5 hours, so timing will be crucial. Should lightning strike within eight miles of the track, the race would come to a halt.
Kyle Busch of Richard Childress Racing will lead the pack, with Chase Briscoe from Joe Gibbs Racing right beside him in the front row. This year’s grand marshal is comedian Nate Bargatze, actor Kurt Russell will drive the pace car, Bart Simpson is on starter duty, and Miranda Lambert is slated to perform at the pre-race concert.
The Daytona 500 has become a focal point of social media chatter, especially as fans share excitement and concerns about the weather. Recent surveys indicate that over 60% of viewers are hopeful for a smooth race day, showcasing the community’s passion for NASCAR, especially during marquee events like this one.
According to research by the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, over 12 million fans tuned in for last year’s race, making it one of the most-watched events of the year. The Daytona 500 not only serves as the season opener but also as a cultural touchstone in American sports.
As the excitement builds, many racing enthusiasts eagerly share their predictions on social media—falling largely under #Daytona500. Fans are eager to see if this year’s race will add to the storied history of the event.
For continuous updates and coverage on NASCAR events, including full race reviews, stats, and highlights, you can check out the official NASCAR website.
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