NASCAR’s Biggest Race in Jeopardy: NASCAR fans at the Daytona 500 are facing a long wait as rain delays the highly anticipated race. According to NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck, officials expect rain to last for two to three hours before track drying begins. The drying process itself could take another two to two and a half hours, pushing the race into late-night territory.
While NASCAR remains determined to complete the event, fans and teams must prepare for an unpredictable schedule. Delays like this are not uncommon at Daytona, where weather often plays a factor in race outcomes.
Here's the rain delay plan at the #DAYTONA500:
— #NASCAR expecting it to rain for awhile (2-3 hours?)
— After it clears, they'll try to dry the track (2-2.5 hours typically) and get the race in.
— Possible late night ahead. Gonna try and nap in my car now, see ya later.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 16, 2025
The wait brings uncertainty for drivers eager to battle for the win on the sport’s biggest stage. With fatigue setting in, some, like Gluck himself, are finding ways to rest before the action resumes. As fans stay tuned for updates, all eyes remain on the skies, hoping for a timely break in the weather to get racing back underway.
“Monday is a better option, pulling an all-nighter doesn’t make anyone happy.”
“Just postpone the damn race.”
“Night night 🌙 😴 😅” – nascar fans reaction
President Trump Takes a Lap in “The Beast” at Daytona 500
President Donald Trump made a grand entrance at the 67th running of the Daytona 500, taking a lap around Daytona International Speedway in “The Beast,” the presidential limousine. The former president arrived from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach just before 1 p.m. ET, making a statement with his presence at NASCAR’s biggest race.
Before reaching the track, Air Force One performed a flyby over the speedway, a moment captured on the FOX broadcast. Trump was also shown during the national anthem ceremony, appearing about 30 minutes before the scheduled green flag, adding to the spectacle of the event.
Trump’s Limited Time at the Event
Trump’s schedule allowed him approximately two hours at Daytona International Speedway, according to Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. With the Daytona 500 set for a 2 p.m. ET start, Trump would be able to watch about an hour of the race before departing.
His visit was brief but significant, as he continues to maintain visibility at major sporting events. After his time at Daytona, Trump planned to return to Mar-a-Lago. This visit marks his second time attending the Daytona 500 as president, having previously served as the Grand Marshal in 2020. He also attended Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
News in Brief: NASCAR’s Biggest Race in Jeopardy
Rain has delayed the Daytona 500, with NASCAR expecting a two-to-three-hour wait before track drying, which could push the race into late-night hours. Fans and teams remain on standby as weather uncertainty looms.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at the race, arriving in “The Beast” presidential limo and taking a lap around the track. Air Force One performed a flyby before his arrival. Trump, scheduled to stay for about two hours, watched part of the race before departing for Mar-a-Lago. This marks his second Daytona 500 appearance as president, following his Grand Marshal role in 2020.
ALSO READ: Daytona 500 Interrupted by Rain After Just Eight Laps—Will the Race Go on Today?
