Rainy Day Rush

The 2026 Daytona 500 has been rescheduled to start an hour earlier than originally planned due to a heavy chance of rain on Sunday evening.

The announcement was made by NASCAR on Saturday morning, with the TV window now opening at 11:30 AM ET, followed by Fox's RaceDay Live at 12:30 PM ET, and the race coverage starting at 1:30 PM ET. The expected green flag is set to drop at 2:14 PM.

This schedule change comes as a result of two recent weather-affected events in NASCAR, including the shortened and postponed Clash at Bowman Gray two weeks ago. The event was held despite sleet and snow delays that stretched out the race, with Ryan Preece ultimately emerging victorious.

The postponement of the Clash has left NASCAR with a heavy rain forecast for Sunday's Daytona 500, prompting the organization to take proactive measures to ensure the event can still proceed as planned. By moving up the start time, NASCAR aims to minimize the impact of potential weather delays.

Interestingly, this is not the first time NASCAR has had to deal with inclement weather in recent months. The second-ever season preview at Bowman Gray was completed successfully despite sleet and snow delays that stretched out the race. However, the event's success highlights the unpredictability of racing in the United States.

The Daytona 500 will see veteran Kyle Busch take on pole position for Richard Childress and Chevrolet, with Chase Briscoe starting from the outside lane for Joe Gibbs and Toyota. The two drivers had previously topped qualifying Tuesday night, avoiding the need for a final showdown in Wednesday's Duels.

By moving up the start time, NASCAR is also attempting to minimize the impact of potential weather delays on the event. With parking now opening at 6 AM, the Fan Zone will open at 8:30 AM, and gates will open at 9 AM, fans can expect a more efficient experience.

The rescheduled Daytona 500 will see Hendrick's William Byron looking to make history with a record-breaking third straight win. This would match Porsche Penske's three-peat in IMSA's Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona last month.

As the racing world prepares for the rescheduled event, it is clear that NASCAR is taking proactive steps to ensure the success of its events. By moving up the start time, the organization is demonstrating its commitment to providing fans with a high-quality experience despite the unpredictable nature of weather conditions.