Race Rushed Ahead to Dodge Rain: Fans React
NASCAR has moved the start of the Daytona 500 back by an hour, setting the first lap for 1:30 p. m. ET and the green flag at 2:30 p. m. This change is meant to finish the 500‑mile race before evening rain, a risk that has plagued past editions. The decision comes after the 2024 race was pushed to