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Daytona 500 start time moved up due to weather concerns

By Thomson Reuters Feb 14, 2026 | 12:03 PM

NASCAR moved up the start time for Sunday’s Daytona 500 ​by one ‌hour due to the threat of inclement weather.

The National Weather Service forecast calls ‌for ​a 50% ⁠chance of ⁠rain Sunday afternoon, with the chances rising as the day goes ​on. Officials hope the time change will ⁠allow drivers ⁠to finish all ​500 miles on Sunday.

Rain ​is nothing new for “The ‌Great American Race.” The Daytona 500 was postponed to a ⁠Monday finish in 2024 and featured a 3 1/2-hour delay ⁠last ‌year.

Pole winner ⁠Kyle Busch and ​Chase ‌Briscoe will share ​the front ⁠row when the green flag waves to start the race at 2:13 p.m. ET.

–Field Level ​Media