NASCAR takes center stage on Sunday afternoon, with Dayton 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. It marks the 68th running of “The Great American Race.”
Ahead of Sunday’s race, there has been a bit of a change, with NASCAR moving the start time up due to the threat of inclement weather.
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NASCAR announced that the green flag is now scheduled for 2:13 p.m. ET in Daytona Beach, one hour earlier than initially scheduled. Race coverage is set to begin at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
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The race aims to conclude on schedule without any delays.
Race fans walk through the Fan Zone heading back to the motorhomes Sunday morning, February 18, 2024 after news broke that the Daytona 500 had been postponed to Monday by rain.
“The National Weather Service has forecast a 50 percent chance of rain Sunday afternoon, but with a more substantial chance for precipitation moving in that evening. Officials adjusted the schedule to provide a better window for completing all 500 miles on race day,” NASCAR said in a statement.
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“Pole winner Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe will share the front row when the ‘Great American Race’ gets underway. The event is the first of 36 points-paying races for the NASCAR Cup Series’ 2026 season.”
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It is the third year in a row that the weather has impacted the Daytona 500, though this year’s move is not as severe. In 2024, the race was pushed to Monday because of washout conditions at the track. Last year, the race was delayed three-and-a-half hours because of red-flag time.
While Busch and Briscoe are starting in the first row, William Byron will be searching to make history as the first driver with three consecutive Daytona 500 wins. However, he has a tough task ahead, starting 39th out of 41 drivers.
Feb 16, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) reacts in victory lane after winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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