Daytona 500 weather delay: NASCAR issues call to drivers, expected restart time revealed

NASCAR has issued a call for drivers to report to their cars at 5:25 p.m. ET to prepare going back to racing in the 67th running of the Daytona 500.

The race has been under the red flag for nearly three hours as the caution flag came out for rain just 11 laps in. NASCAR moved the start of the race up an hour expecting rain, but it didn’t seem to make much of a difference.

A band of rain stretching out to the Gulf has been making its way across the state Florida, making landfall in Daytona Beach just as the race began. Soon, it became a downpour at Daytona International Speedway. But with the rain lightening up, NASCAR began the process of drying the track. Now, we’re just about ready to go racing — again — at Daytona.

With only 11-of-200 laps completed, it’s anybody’s race for the taking. 2022 Daytona 500 champion Austin Cindric is credited as the current leader, with Ty Dillon, Chase Briscoe, Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace rounding out the top five.

Noah Gragson does priceless interview with The Rizzler amid Daytona 500 rain delay

During the delay, several drivers were interviewed on the FOX broadcast and revealed their strategy for handling the race stoppage. Some were eating snacks. Others were spending time with their family. Noah Gragson was hanging out with The Rizzler. Gragson spent the extra time opening Panini NASCAR cards with the 8-year-old social media personality.

“The Rizzler — we’ve been hanging out opening some Panini NASCAR cards. Checking out the cards, got some gloves for The Rizzler,” Gragson said. “This is a king right here. We’re having some fun and enjoying this rain delay here at the Daytona 500.”

Both gave the “Rizz Face” for the camera, before The Rizzler offered a tutorial for Sims and the fans watching at home. The Rizzler then asked FOX Sports‘ Chris Myers to give his own version of the “Rizz Face” on the FOX broadcast.

Myers *sort of* did it before offering an apology.

“Alright, sorry Rizz. I don’t really do the Rizz,” Myers said.