National Weather Service issues warning to Daytona 500 fans amid rain delay

It only took 11 laps for rain to arrive at Daytona International Speedway for Sunday’s 67th running of the Daytona 500, putting the race under the red flag.

The National Weather Service has since issued a special weather report which includes Daytona, per Dustin Long of NBC Sports. Included is a warning for fans in attendance.

“Those attending the Daytona 500 are in the path of these showers & should prepare for gusty winds, rain & the potential for a few lightning strikes,” the report reads.

A band of rain which stretches out to the Gulf is currently making its way across the state of Florida and through, yes, Daytona Beach. NASCAR expected the rain to last “awhile,” Jeff Gluck of The Athletic wrote on X. After it ends, track drying — which takes two to two-and-a-half hours — will commence. When you begin to do the math, all signs point to a late night and racing under the lights at Daytona.

Daytona 500 under weather delay

The good news? The rain has lightened up enough to where NASCAR is sending out track drying equipment, Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported.

“Been outside for the last 30 minutes or so. Rain would stop and then pick up and then stop,” Pockrass tweeted. “It is windy as well. That should at least help drying time once the rain is over for good. The question is when. 4:30? 5? 6?

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.