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Mooresville Today
By the People, for the People
NASCAR Moves Up Daytona 500 Start Time Due to Weather
The annual NASCAR race will now begin one hour earlier on Sunday.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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NASCAR has announced that the start time for the 2026 Daytona 500 has been moved up from 2:30 p.m. ET to 1:30 p.m. ET due to incoming weather that is expected to impact the race. The change in start time will allow the race to be completed before the severe weather arrives.
Why it matters
The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious and watched NASCAR races of the season, so moving up the start time is a significant decision that will impact both the drivers and fans attending the event. Completing the race before the weather hits is crucial to avoid delays or cancellations.
The details
NASCAR officials made the decision to move up the Daytona 500 start time after closely monitoring the weather forecast for Sunday. The incoming weather system is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potentially even tornadoes to the Daytona Beach area. By starting the race one hour earlier, NASCAR hopes to finish the event before the severe weather arrives and disrupts the proceedings.
- The Daytona 500 was originally scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
- NASCAR has moved the start time up to 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
The players
NASCAR
The sanctioning body that organizes and oversees the top professional stock car racing series in the United States.
What’s next
NASCAR officials will continue to monitor the weather forecasts leading up to the Daytona 500 and make any additional adjustments to the schedule if necessary.
The takeaway
This decision by NASCAR to move up the start time of the Daytona 500 demonstrates the series' commitment to prioritizing the safety of drivers, teams, and fans in the face of inclement weather, even if it means making significant last-minute changes to the event schedule.
