The Daytona 500 weather forecast is more encouraging ahead of the Feb. 15 race at Daytona International Speedway.
NASCAR moved up the Cup Series season opener an hour, with green flag now scheduled for approximately 2:13 p.m. Eastern/1:13 p.m. Central.
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The National Weather Service forecast for Feb. 15 in Daytona Beach calls for rain to start closer to the evening hours than earlier in the week.
But it still leaves a chance for rain to impact the later stages of The Great American Race.
DAYTONA 500 PICKS: NASCAR Daytona 500 predictions 2026, expert picks for Cup Series race
NASCAR Daytona 500 forecast today, rain chances Sunday
The National Weather Service calls for a 8% chance of precipitation at 2 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 15, around the new scheduled start time.
Those chances increase through the late afternoon, up to a 56% chance by 6 p.m.
A four-hour window should be enough time to get the race completed at the scheduled distance, if the rain holds off.
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The NWS forecasts a high temperature of 80 degrees, with wind gusts up to 30 mph.
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Kohler Generators Ford, William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Chevrolet, Tyler Reddick, driver of the #8 Lenovo Chevrolet, Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, and David Ragan, driver of the #36 Select Blinds Ford, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford, Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 DoorDash Toyota, and Austin Cindric, driver of the #33 Verizon 5G Ford, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford, reacts after an on-track incident after the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford, Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 DoorDash Toyota, and Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, are involved in an on-track incident the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, Austin Cindric, driver of the #33 Verizon 5G Ford, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, and Cole Custer, driver of the #41 HaasTooling.com Ford, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Ross Chastain, driver of the #42 Clover Chevrolet, drives after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Kurt Busch, driver of the #1 Monster Energy Chevrolet, Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford, and Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Ty Dillon, driver of the #54 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, Josh Berry, driver of the #8 FilterTime Chevrolet, and Justin Haley, driver of the #11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet, are involved in an on-track incident during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Ryan Sieg, driver of the #39 CMR Construction and Roofing Ford, Colby Howard, driver of the #15 Linder/Project Hope Foundation Chevrolet, spin after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Todd Gilliland, driver of the #38 Speedco Ford, and Tate Fogleman, driver of the #12 Solid Rock Carriers Chevrolet, are involved in an on-track incident as Raphael Lessard, driver of the #24 CANAC Chevrolet, passes during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Jordan Anderson, driver of the #3 Swann Security Chevrolet, spins after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, wins over Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, as Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, crashes and flips behind them during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, wins over Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, as Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, crashes and flips behind them during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, wins over Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, as Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, crashes and flips behind them during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Track workers attend to Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, following a crash during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, crashes and flips during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, wins over Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, as Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, crashes and flips behind them during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Ross Chastain, driver of the #77 AdventHealth Chevrolet, crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 17: Several car crash during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 17: Several car crash during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 10: Cars crash during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 10, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Cody Coughlin, driver of the #2 JEGS.com Chevrolet, and several cars crash during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 06: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, receives medical attention after a crash following the checkered flag during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 6, 2015 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Jul 6, 2015; Daytona Beach, FL, USA;
Parts off of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) car goes through the infield following a crash at the finish to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (not pictured) won.Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 23: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard Chevrolet, leads the field to the finish as Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Fastenal Ford, and others crash during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 23, 2014 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 15: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, spins through the infield after crashing during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2014 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 06: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, crashes during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 6, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 06: Matt Kenseth, driver of the #20 Home Depot / Husky Toyota, David Reutimann, driver of the #83 Burger King / Dr. Pepper Toyota, Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Axalta Coating Systems Chevrolet, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, crash during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 6, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 06: AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #51 Phoenix Construction Chevrolet, climbs out of his car after a crash during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 6, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 06: Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 SUBWAY Ford, Scott Speed, driver of the #95 Leavine Family Racing Ford, Marcos Ambrose, driver of the #9 Stanley Ford, and Joe Nemechek, driver of the #87 Royal Teak Collection Toyota, crash during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 6, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 05: Jason White , driver of the #24 JW Demolition Toyota, crashes during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 05: Jason White , driver of the #24 JW Demolition Toyota, crashes into Travis Pastrana, driver of the #60 Roush Fenway Racing / RaceTrac Ford, during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JANUARY 11: The crew for Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Ford, load their car on the hauler after Logano was involved in a multi-car crash during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Preseason Thunder testing at Daytona International Speedway on January 11, 2013 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 06: Kyle Busch, driver of the #54 Monster Energy Toyota, Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Chevrolet, Timmy Hill, driver of the #41 Poynt.com Chevrolet, and Johanna Long, driver of the #70 WishForOurHeroes.org Chevrolet, crash on the final lap during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 6, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Brown Toyota, crashes during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Budweiser Chevrolet, crashes during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Paul Menard, driver of the #27 Peak/Menards Chevrolet, David Ragan, driver of the #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford, and Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 Aaron’s Toyota, are involved in a fiery crash during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Paul Menard, driver of the #27 Peak/Menards Chevrolet, David Ragan, driver of the #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford, Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 Aaron’s Toyota, Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 3M Ford, and Matt Kenseth, driver of the #17 Best Buy Ford crash during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 02: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota, comes to a stop after a multi-car crash during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke ZERO 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 02: A multi-car crash involving several drivers including Kurt Busch, driver of the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge, Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Carquest/GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, Clint Bowyer, driver of the #33 Wheaties Fuel Chevrolet, Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota, and Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke ZERO 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 01: Elliott Sadler, driver of the #2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet, Eric Almirola, driver of the #88 Suave Men/BJ’s Chevrolet, and Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, crash at the finish of the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on July 1, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 20: Marcos Ambrose, driver of the #9 Stanley Ford, David Reutimann, driver of the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota, Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, and Mark Martin, driver of the #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, are involved in an incident during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 20: Matt Kenseth, driver of the #17 Crown Royal Ford, crashes during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 19: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Dodge, and Josh Wise, driver of the #39 Cajun USA Ford, wreck during the NASCAR Nationwide Series DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Travis Kvapil, driver of the #5 International Truck Toyota, spins during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 03: A crash takes place on lap 148 during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 3, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 03: Fans look on as a crash takes place on lap 148 during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 3, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 06: Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Scotts Ford and Matt Kenseth, driver of the #17 Crown Royal Ford, loses control of their cars after crashing during the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 6, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 04: Kyle Busch, driver of the Interstate Batteries Toyota, crashes into the wall on the final lap as he crosses the finish line and Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge, crashes into the back of him during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 51st Annual Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 4, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 04: Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge, crashes into the rear of Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota, after Kyle hit the wall on the final lap during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 51st Annual Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 4, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 03: Kertus Davis, driver of the #04 NuTone Heating & Cooling Products Chevrolet, climbs out of his car after it catches fire prior to a crash on track during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 3, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 17: David Ragan, driver of the #6 AAA Ford, crashes during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2008 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet, gets out of his flaming car after crashing on the last lap, during the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2007 in Daytona, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet, slides upside down on fire after crashing on the last lap, during the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2007 in Daytona, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet, slides upside down across the track after crashing, during the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2007 in Daytona, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Terry Cook, driver of the #59 Melling Engine Parts/Harris Trucking Toyota, has his car catch on fire after crashing during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Chevy Silverado HD 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2007 in Daytona, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Ryan Newman barrel rolls his #12 Penske Racing Alltel Dodge Intrepid R/T during the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2003 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
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Daytona’s Speedway’s most dramatic crashes, flips and massive pileups
18 Feb 2001:Tony Stewart #20 Home Depot Pontiac is launched into a series of rolls triggering a multi 19 car accident during the NASCAR Winston Cup Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge/ALLSPORT
Will the Daytona 500 be postponed?
The moved-up start time should help the likelihood of a full race completed on time.
The rain uncertainty will play a role in strategy during the race, as race teams keep an eye on the radar. The race is official after halfway, at 100 laps.
Thus, it is unlikely the Daytona 500 is postponed if the current forecast holds up. But if the rain arrives by mid-afternoon, NASCAR has a decision to make.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Daytona 500 weather forecast update, will Daytona 500 be postponed or delayed?
