DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona 500 has restarted following weather interruptions that totaled over three and a half hours. With President Donald Trump in attendance to witness the continuation of the race, he had previously taken drivers for ceremonial laps around the track in his fortified presidential vehicle, affectionately known as “The Beast.”
As the race commenced around 6:30 p.m. EST, it appeared that the rain had finally cleared, allowing the season opener to take place under the lights for the scheduled conclusion on Sunday. However, Trump was set to depart before the final laps, making this his second visit to the Daytona 500, the first being in 2020.
During his ceremonial laps, Trump addressed the drivers, expressing his admiration for their skills. “This is your favorite president. I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people,” he said. He encouraged them to race safely, acknowledging their talent and patriotism. Trump left shortly after the race was delayed due to rain.
NASCAR had moved the race start to 2 p.m. Eastern in anticipation of rain, which proved to be a wise decision as inclement weather forced a further delay that lasted into the evening. The event marked the sixth delay in the past 14 years, a concerning pattern for NASCAR amid forecasts of heavy rain and winds reaching 40 mph.
Actor Anthony Mackie, known for his role in “Captain America,” made an appearance to signal the drivers to start their engines, bringing an added dimension to the day. Mackie celebrated both the race and the success of his new film, “Captain America: Brave New World,” which was trending toward a stellar box office performance of $100 million over the holiday weekend.
Mackie expressed his excitement about being part of the event. “It’s amazing to be here and see it in person and be welcomed in this way,” he commented, noting the significance of the race coinciding with his movie’s success. “I couldn’t have asked for a better time.”
Amidst the delays, fans found ways to pass the time, with many catching an “Avengers” movie or exploring the merchandise stands to stay dry. The lasting rain not only delayed the race but also raised awareness about the challenges of quickly drying the 2.5-mile speedway, which typically takes over two hours.
Over the years, the Daytona 500 has faced delays due to weather, with significant postponements also happening in 2012, 2020, and the previous year. Notably, the race faced interruptions lasting 6 hours and 22 minutes in 2014, and another delay of over 5 hours in 2021.
As the weather continued to play a role in the race day, drivers often sought refuge in their motorhomes. Many seized the opportunity to engage with the media for live television broadcasts, with Ty Gibbs from Joe Gibbs Racing being among the first to visit the Fox Sports set.
Race fans utilized covered areas or browsed merchandise stands to keep dry, with ponchos priced at $8 flying off the shelves as attendees braved the elements. The relentless rain did not dampen spirits, as anticipation built for the resumption of “The Great American Race.”
