Sat Feb 15 16:20:00 UTC 2025: **Daytona 500 Start Time Moved Up to Beat Potential Rain**

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR announced Friday that the start time for the 2025 Daytona 500 has been moved up an hour to 2 p.m. ET, in an effort to avoid potential afternoon rain. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of precipitation Sunday afternoon. The pre-race broadcast on Fox will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET.

This proactive scheduling change comes after several rain-delayed Daytona 500s in recent years, including a Monday finish in 2020 and a significantly delayed completion in 2021. While the race ran as scheduled in 2022 and 2023, last year’s event was ultimately postponed to Monday due to inclement weather.

Chase Briscoe will lead the field to the green flag from the pole position, alongside Austin Cindric. Bubba Wallace will start third, followed by Erik Jones. At least six drivers will begin the race in backup cars following crashes during Thursday’s qualifying races. Past Cup Series champions Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson, both retired from full-time racing, will start from the back of the pack. Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will start 41st, securing his spot via NASCAR’s new provisional for historically successful drivers after a Thursday crash.

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