NASCAR has rescheduled the start time for the highly-anticipated 2025 Daytona 500 to 1:30 p.m. ET on February 16, 2025, owing to expected challenging weather conditions.
A cold front is predicted to bring rain and thunderstorms to the area, prompting officials to make the adjustment in hopes of avoiding delays.
This isn’t the first time weather has impacted races at Daytona International Speedway; rain has historically been a recurring challenge, often leading to postponements or interruptions since the track’s opening in 1959.
More News: Daytona 500: Sunday’s Race in Danger as Curse Continues
The event schedule for the Daytona 500 race week spans several days. On February 12, practice began at 10 a.m. ET and was followed by qualifying at 8:15 p.m. ET, both originally broadcasted on FS1. The race day itself will be preceded by NASCAR RaceDay pre-race coverage, now starting at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX before the official start at 1:30 p.m. ET.
With the weather looming, fans are advised of enhanced security protocols that will likely result in longer wait times. In light of this, parking lots will open early, at 6 a.m., and gates will open at 9 a.m. on race day. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to better navigate the heightened security measures. Attendees can also use the NASCAR Tracks App for real-time navigation assistance.
More News: Legacy Motor Club Confirms Jimmie Johnson’s Daytona 500 Crew Chief
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Regular Season
- Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
- Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
- May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
- May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
- May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
- June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
- June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
- June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
- July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
- July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
- Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
- Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs
- Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA
- Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA
- Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
- Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
- Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
- Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
- Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC
The post NASCAR Reschedules Daytona 500 Start Time After Weather Concerns appeared first on Newsweek.
