The 2025 Daytona 500, one of the most anticipated events in NASCAR and the official launch of the season, is facing a potential weather delay. Originally scheduled to start later in the afternoon on Sunday, February 16, the race has been moved up to 1:30 p.m. ET due to concerns about incoming storms. However, even with the start time moved up, there is still the possibility of a delay if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Will Rain Delay the 2025 Daytona 500?
Update 3:15 p.m. ET: It looks like we are in for a long delay at the Daytona 500. The recent weather reports are predicting another two hours of rain at a minimum. With the time needed to dry the track after (around 2 hours), there is a chance that the race won’t start again until 9 p.m. at the earliest. It will be interesting to see what NASCAR decides to do if that is the case.
Expect NASCAR to wait at least a few hours before making any decision. Wouldn’t think NASCAR would want to resume much later than 9p (which means stop raining by around 6:30p). pic.twitter.com/AeB382pelh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 16, 2025
Despite the earlier start time, there remains a significant chance that weather could still impact the race. If rain moves in during the event, NASCAR will implement its standard weather delay procedures, including red-flagging the race until conditions improve.
If severe weather persists, officials could postpone the remainder of the race to Monday, a scenario that has happened in past Daytona 500 events.
“Good morning! We are expecting showers and storms this afternoon! With the earlier start to the Daytona 500 we could get in the start of the race BEFORE the storms arrive. But rain could cause a delay later in the race as this line moves over DAB around 3pm.”
Green flag at 2 p.m., so should get like 150 miles in, maybe? Then a delay for awhile. https://t.co/pccRQWR5uA
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 16, 2025
There are a few options when it comes to a weather delay. NASCAR has rules based on weather. If a race has started and drivers have completed 50 percent of the laps or traveled half of the way, then whoever was in the lead when it started to rain/other inclement weather wins.
If the race has not traveled at least half of the way, then the race will be on a weather delay or postponed to the following day, and a winner will be determined when it‘s restarted. NASCAR crew chiefs will watch the weather radar before and during the race to see if rain or inclement weather is anticipated.
Why Was the Daytona 500 Start Time Changed?
NASCAR officials decided to shift the start time one hour earlier to minimize the chances of weather disruptions. Forecasts for Daytona Beach, Florida, indicate a 60% chance of rain, with winds exceeding 30 mph expected later in the day.
To prevent a possible rain delay or postponement, NASCAR is taking proactive steps to ensure the race gets underway before conditions worsen.
What Happens If the Daytona 500 Is Postponed
In the event of a full postponement, the race would likely be rescheduled for Monday, February 17. NASCAR has previously moved the race to the following day when severe weather made it impossible to continue on Sunday. If that happens, fans should expect official announcements regarding rescheduling and broadcast changes.
As mentioned above, when the delay happens will be the ultimate deciding factor as to whether or not the race will be rescheduled, delayed, or a victor confirmed.
As of now, NASCAR is hopeful that the earlier start time will allow the 2025 Daytona 500 to proceed as planned. However, with unpredictable Florida weather, rain delays remain a possibility. Fans should stay tuned for live updates and be prepared for any last-minute changes.
2025 Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
Chase Briscoe (P1) and Austin Cindric (P2) will be the front two drivers following the qualifying on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Amid the ongoing legal turmoil, 23XI’s Bubba Wallace will be slotting in right behind Cindric, with Erik Jones of Legacy Motor Club in P4. Last year’s winner, William Byron, will be starting in P5 this year, hoping to overcome and outlast every other challenger once again.
Chris Buescher, Ty Dillon, Denny Hamlin, and Ross Chastain will take up each respective place after Byron.
Defending NASCAR Cup champ Joey Logano rounds out the top 10 with the rest of the field looking like this :
- 11 Tyler Reddick
- 12 Corey LaJoie
- 13 AJ Allmendinger
- 14 Todd Gilliland
- 15 Austin Dillon
- 16 Ryan Blaney
- 17 Chase Elliott
- 18 John Hunter Nemechek
- 19 Justin Allgaier
- 20 Christopher Bell
- 21 Kyle Busch
- 22 Kyle Larson
- 23 Ty Gibbs
- 24 Riley Herbst
- 25 Michael McDowell
- 26 Shane Van Gisbergen
- 27 Ryan Preece
- 28 Cody Ware
- 29 Josh Berry
- 30 Cole Custer
- 31 Ricky Stenhouse
- 32 Noah Gragson
- 33 Carson Hocevar
- 34 Brad Keselowski
- 35 Justin Haley
- 36 Daniel Suarez
- 37 Zane Smith
- 38 Alex Bowman
- 39 Martin Truex Jr.
- 40 Jimmie Johnson
- 41 Helio Castroneves
