Daytona 500 Starts Earlier Because of Storm Risk

The Daytona International Speedway is shifting the start of the 500‑mile race one hour earlier. The new green flag will rise at 2:13 p. m. Eastern, a change driven by the chance of bad weather on Sunday. Weather forecasts show that clouds and rain could roll in during the afternoon. Moving the start gives drivers a better chance to finish before conditions worsen. The race is more than just a timing tweak. It’s the opening of NASCAR’s season, and it features a rare storyline: William Byron is chasing an unprecedented streak. He won the event last year in dramatic overtime, when a late‑lap crash caused by Denny Hamlin’s spin left Byron to overtake eight cars and claim victory.If Byron wins again, he will become the first driver ever to win the Daytona 500 three years in a row. That would add an historic chapter to the race’s long tradition. Fans at Daytona Beach will see a faster kickoff, but they’ll also face the same electric atmosphere that has drawn crowds for decades. The earlier start may mean cooler temperatures, potentially easing the strain on engines and tires. Teams are adjusting their plans. With less daylight available for the full race, pit crews may need to be quicker on stops. Drivers will also consider how weather might shift during the race, changing tire choices and fuel strategy. Overall, the change underscores how even a single hour can influence racing tactics. It reminds everyone that in motorsport, success depends not only on skill but also on adapting to the elements.