The Daytona 500 has been moved again, from 12 noon today to 7 PM this evening (Eastern Standard Time).
The race was originally scheduled for a 1:29 PM start time yesterday (Sunday). The weather forecast all week long called for rain on Sunday, and down it came, soaking the track. Track officials tried to dry the track between showers, hoping to simply delay the race for later on Sunday evening. But the showers kept coming, eventually the race was postponed until today. It’s the first time in its 54 year history that the Daytona 500 has been postponed for a day.
The race was rescheduled for 12 noon today – but as we pointed out here yesterday, rain was still in the forecast.
Throughout this morning there has been an intermittent drizzle here in Daytona. So the 12 noon start was postponed.
At the moment it’s still mostly dark and gloomy outside. But within the last hour the sun broke through the clouds for just a few minutes before hiding away again. The clouds appear higher and the chance of rain this evening, according to weather.com, is down to 30%. Officials at the track have said that moving the race to Tuesday is a possibility if the rain resumes.
Blowers are out on the track and officials have announced that they will try to start the race at 7 PM. It will be televised on FOX.
If the race starts today, there are 42 cars scheduled to be in the field. Carl Edwards will start in the pole position. Danica Patrick will be racing in her first Daytona 500 this year.
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