It’s still possible that rain could spoil the Daytona 500, the season opener for NASCAR’s Cup Series on Sunday.
The latest forecasts show a 55% chance of rain on Sunday with the added possibility of thunderstorms.
In the past 15 years, the Great American Race has been moved to or finished on Monday because of inclement weather in 2012, 2020 and 2024. In 2021, the race was delayed six hours and didn’t finish until after midnight.
Kyle Busch – who has never won the Daytona 500 – is the pole sitter for Sunday’s race, the 68th edition of the historic competition. Chase Briscoe, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney round out the starting top five. The race will also feature seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.
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Daytona 500 weather forecast
Here’s the latest AccuWeather forecast for Daytona Beach, Florida:
Saturday, Feb. 14: Partly cloudy with a high temperature of 72 degrees and a low of 58. Chance of precipitation: 2%.
Sunday, Feb. 15: Breezy and cloudy. Rain showers and thunderstorms are increasingly possible in spots late in the afternoon. High temperature of 77 degrees and a low of 62. Chance of precipitation: 55%
Monday, Feb. 16: Passing showers are likely in the morning. In the afternoon, it’ll be breezy and the sun is expected to peek through the clouds. High temperature of 69 degrees and a low of 53. Chance of precipitation: 55%.
When is the 2026 Daytona 500?
Date: Sunday, Feb. 15
Start time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach, Florida)
TV: Fox
Streaming: Fubo (free trial), Sling
Defending champion: William Byron
Daytona 500, Speedweek schedule
All times Eastern
Saturday, Feb. 14: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying | 10 a.m. | CW
Saturday, Feb. 14: General Tire 200 (ARCA Menards Series) | Noon | Fox
Saturday, Feb. 14: United Rentals 300 (O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) | 5 p.m. | CW
Sunday, Feb. 15: Daytona 500 | 2:30 p.m. | Fox