JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
The race has been postponed until Monday at 4PM due to expected rainfall at the track all day Sunday.
The inclement weather on Sunday is attributed to a southerly positioned sub-tropical jet over Florida, ushering in widespread light to moderate scattered showers. While this weather pattern doesn't favor thunderstorms, reducing the risk of lightning, it does ensure that rain will be a constant companion for a significant portion of the weekend in Daytona.
Conditions on Monday on the other hand will be dry with sunny skies dominating.
NASCAR enthusiasts know that rain and racing don't mix well, and there are several reasons a race can be impacted by rain. Those are:
1. Tire Design Matters: NASCAR cars are equipped with slick tires designed for maximum traction on dry surfaces. These tires lack tread patterns specifically because they optimize grip on dry tracks. In wet conditions, racing on slick tires could lead to a loss of control and an increased risk of accidents, prompting NASCAR to prioritize safety.
2. Safety Concerns and Hydroplaning: Wet tracks pose a greater risk due to increased slipperiness, making cars more susceptible to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the track, resulting in a loss of traction and control. Given the potential dangers associated with wet conditions, NASCAR takes safety seriously and typically avoids races during rainy weather.
The last time the Daytona 500 was delayed to Monday due to rainfall was in 2020 and prior to that in 2012.