The NASCAR season kicks off this Sunday with the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Coverage starts at 12:30 PM ET, with the race’s green flag dropping at 2:30 PM ET, airing on FOX and the FOX Sports App.
What’s the forecast? As of Monday evening, FOX Weather predicts a low of 59 degrees and a high of 78 degrees for Sunday. There’s a 41% chance of rain expected between 1:00 PM ET and 4:00 PM ET, which could potentially disrupt or delay the race. Winds are forecasted to blow from the south at 26 mph, and sunset is set for 6:14 PM ET.
Last year’s Daytona 500 was heavily impacted by weather, experiencing two delays that added up to over three and a half hours. Once racing resumed, William Byron claimed the victory. Rain has already become a hot topic this season after the recent Clash at Bowman Gray exhibition race in North Carolina took three and a half hours to finish amid 17 caution flags and challenging wet-track conditions.
The unpredictable weather often plays a huge role in the “Great American Race,” and Sunday’s rain could shape the results. However, the rest of the week and weekend look clear according to forecasts, with no significant weather concerns expected from Wednesday through Saturday.
Key events include Practice 1 on Wednesday, February 11th at 10:00 AM ET, followed by Qualifying at 8:15 PM ET the same day. Thursday features two duels, starting at 7:00 PM ET and 8:45 PM ET, respectively. Practice 2 is scheduled for Friday at 5:35 PM ET, and the weekend begins with Practice 3 on Saturday at 3:00 PM ET. FOX Weather indicates that all these sessions should proceed without weather interruptions.
Sunday’s race, however, remains uncertain and could be greatly influenced by the forecasted rain.
Fan Take: Weather always adds an extra layer of drama to the Daytona 500, and this year’s potential rain delays could create unpredictable twists that keep fans on the edge of their seats. For NASCAR, this blend of skill and strategy under uncertain conditions highlights the sport’s resilience and excitement, making every season opener a must-watch event.
