DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 27: A general view of covered cars on the grid under a rain delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway on August 27, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 27: A general view of covered cars on the grid under a rain delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway on August 27, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

NASCAR moves up start time for Daytona 500 due to forecast

Due to potential weather forecasted for the Daytona Beach area late Sunday, NASCAR today announced the DAYTONA 500 will move up one hour from its originally scheduled time to now begin at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Gates and hospitality will now open at 9 a.m. ET, and the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone will open at 8:30 a.m. ET. Parking lots will open at 6 a.m. ET.

Due to increased security measures, Daytona International Speedway encourages all attendees to arrive early for the event. Please be aware that traffic may be unpredictable, so allow extra time for potential delays. Additionally, expect longer lines at the entry gates because of enhanced screening processes.

Fans in attendance will still get to enjoy the pre-race performance by Pitbull and the pageantry of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performing the flyover at the conclusion of the National Anthem.

— NASCAR —