NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway have elected to move the start time of Sunday’s DAYTONA 500 up one hour from its originally scheduled time, due to the possibility of inclement weather in the Daytona Beach, Florida area on Sunday evening.
The event will now get underway at 1:30 PM ET. Gates and hospitality will now open at 9:00 AM ET, and the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone will be open at 8:30 AM ET. Parking lots will be open at 6:00 AM ET.
Due to increased security measures, Daytona International Speedway is encouraging all fans attending ‘The Great American Race’ to arrive early for the event, and letting fans know that longer lines are expected at entry gates because of enhanced screening processes.
These increased measures are likely the result of the expected attendance of President Donald J. Trump attending Sunday’s DAYTONA 500. While NASCAR has yet to confirm anything, several reports suggest that Trump will be at Daytona International Speedway for the start of the race.
Fans in attendance will still be able to enjoy the pre-race performance by Pitbull and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performing the flyover after the National Anthem.
The original broadcast networks will remain unchanged, with the DAYTONA 500 being shown live on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
