Get ready for a thrilling start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season—but here’s the twist: the Daytona 500 is kicking off earlier than planned due to looming weather concerns. If you’re wondering, What time is the Daytona 500 today?, mark your calendars for 1:30 p.m. ET, a full hour ahead of schedule. Fox will handle the TV coverage, while Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM’s NASCAR Channel will keep you tuned in on the radio. Expect the green flag to wave around 2:13 p.m. ET, setting the stage for NASCAR’s crown jewel event.
But here’s where it gets controversial: WeatherUnderground predicts a balmy 77 degrees with just a 1% chance of rain at the new start time. So, why the rush? NASCAR officials cite rising rain probabilities after 6 p.m. as the reason for the shift. Still, some fans are scratching their heads, wondering if the early start could disrupt the race’s traditional rhythm. What do you think—smart move or unnecessary precaution? Let us know in the comments!
This year’s race is packed with storylines. Kyle Busch, starting from the pole position alongside Chase Briscoe, is chasing his first-ever Daytona 500 win after 20 attempts. Meanwhile, William Byron is gunning to make history as the first driver to claim three consecutive victories in this iconic race. And this is the part most people miss: Busch hasn’t started in the top five since 2016, when he was still with Joe Gibbs Racing. Could this be his year to break the curse?
Weather delays have become almost expected at Daytona. Since its first postponement in 2012, the race has faced interruptions in 2014 (a 6-hour, 22-minute red flag), 2020 (postponed after 20 laps), 2021 (a 5-hour, 40-minute delay), and 2024 (pushed to Monday due to storms). Last year’s three-hour, 10-minute rain delay on Lap 9 is still fresh in fans’ minds. Will 2026 finally give us a smooth, uninterrupted race?
With a typical race time of around three hours, today’s early start could be a game-changer—or just another chapter in Daytona’s weather-filled history. Tune in to see if Busch ends his drought, Byron makes history, or Mother Nature steals the show. One thing’s for sure: this Daytona 500 is shaping up to be unforgettable. What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts below!
