The Daytona 500 is finally here, as NASCAR fans' wait for their sport's Super Bowl is finally over. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that the weather is on their side. Since NASCAR runs in outdoor tracks, weather is often a concern whenever it may rain buckets. Florida, of course, is very vulnerable to heavy rain and storms. As such, rain and the weather could be a storyline in this year's Daytona 500, to the detriment of the race itself.
Though weather had been good at Daytona all week, naturally it may get bad at the worst time. There is between a 40-60% chance of at least some rain to fall today, which could cause problems for the regularly scheduled race time.
There is no way to know yet whether the Daytona 500 start will have to be delayed due to the weather. The scheduled starting time is around 3:30 p.m.
As of 10 a.m., rain hadn't arrived yet, and NASCAR officials were confident of a full Daytona 500. However, clouds are still surrounding the area. If rain doesn't delay the start of the race, it might cause a delay or two that could throw off the race.
The weather this year would have to go a long way to top what happened at the 2003 Daytona 500. Due to heavy rain, the race had to be stopped at Lap 109, barely over the limit needed for an official race. Before that, the Daytona 500 was only shortened by rain twice in the 1960's.
If the weather goes bad, it could also affect the already-heavy traffic for fans on the way to the racetrack. NASCAR has been worried about attendance all off season, due to the state of the economy. A full and rowdy Daytona crowd could help decrease those fears, but bad weather will not help it.
Daytona has lights, so if there are delays, the race could go on into the night. But if the rain is too heavy, they may have to move the remainder of the race to Monday, or just try to get over 100 laps to make it official.
Weather problems are the worst case scenario for NASCAR, with all the controversy over how the economy will impact the season. A shortened or suspended Daytona 500 would be the most ominous omen yet.
For now, the Daytona 500 is scheduled to start on time, with close attention to the weather all day long.
Sources
MSNBC- “Race Fans Enjoy Infield, Watch Weather” www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29189702/
Central Florida News 13- “Will Rain Affect Race For Daytona?” www.cfnews13.com/Features/RaceForDaytona/StoryArchive/2009/2/14/will_rain_affect_races.html
Orlando Sentinel- “Daytona 500: Weather doesn't look too good, but doesn't look bad yet either” blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_nascar/2009/02/daytona-500-weather-doesnt-look-good-but-doesnt-look-bad-yet-either.html