Daytona 500 start time moved up to 1:30pm ET as storm threat looms
Race organizers have moved the Daytona 500 start time up one hour to 1: 30pm ET on Sunday, shifting the pre-race coverage to begin at 11: 30am ET. The proactive change is intended to keep the 68th running of the sport’s premier event on schedule as thunderstorms are expected to move into the area later in the day.
New start time and pre-race schedule
The official Daytona 500 start time is now 1: 30pm ET. The earlier start gives race control more cushion against late-afternoon storms, with the pre-race show beginning at 11: 30am ET. Broadcasters will air the revised schedule live, and teams have adjusted preparations to match the updated timeline.
Why organizers pulled the trigger
Organizers prioritized a weather-first approach after forecasts indicated a high likelihood of thunderstorms arriving in the Daytona area later Sunday. Moving the event up by an hour reduces the chance of rain interrupting or shortening the race while still allowing the full field and pre-race festivities to proceed under favorable conditions earlier in the afternoon.
Weather outlook and race duration
Most forecasts project that the bulk of thunderstorms will arrive after 5: 00pm ET. With the standard runtime for a 500-mile race hovering around three and a half hours, the adjusted start time aims to conclude on-track action well before the storm window opens. Officials remain ready to pause or postpone the event should severe weather develop more quickly than expected.
Who’s leading the field and pre-race highlights
Kyle Busch will lead the field to the green flag with Chase Briscoe joining him on the front row. The weekend’s ceremonial lineup features comedian and actor Nate Bargatze as grand marshal, actor Kurt Russell riding in the pace car, and the honor of the ceremonial starter going to the cartoon character Bart Simpson. Country star Miranda Lambert is set to headline the pre-race concert.
Race history with rain interruptions
The Daytona 500 has been shortened by rain on four occasions: 1965, 1966, 2003 and 2009. In more recent decades, the event has occasionally been pushed to Monday due to weather, with the most recent Monday finish occurring in 2024. That history factored into the decision to move up the start time rather than risk lengthy delays or a postponement.
Fans heading to the track and viewers at home should plan for the revised timetable: gates and paddock activity generally follow the pre-race schedule, and teams will finalize tire and fuel strategies with the new start in mind. Organizers will continue to monitor weather trends through race day and will communicate any further adjustments as needed.
