Daytona International Speedway has hosted some of NASCAR’s most legendary, weather-tainted moments. Rain shortened the 1965 and 1966 Daytona 500. This sent legends like Fred Lorenzen and Richard Petty into victory lane under a darkened sky. In 2003, Michael Waltrip claimed a dramatic but truncated win when the race halted at 109 laps, the shortest Daytona 500 ever. These unpredictable storms do more than test drivers. They test the faith of fans. Now, in a surprising turn, Mother Nature is once again circling the Daytona track, threatening to rewrite history yet again.

The weather has not only altered race results at Daytona but also reshaped safety protocols. In 2012, rain pushed the Daytona 500 to Monday, and during the resumed race, Juan Pablo Montoya’s crash into a jet dryer triggered a fiery delay and new safety mandates for equipment crews. Two years later, a tornado warning caused the longest rain delay in the race’s history, of over six hours. This prompted NASCAR to deploy the faster Air Titan drying system. Since then, officials have even shifted start times. So how’s the weather looking for this weekend?

NASCAR weather update: New plans spring to action amid storms

Recent forecasts paint a familiar looming threat. Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning are expected throughout the race weekend, with high chances (90%) of storms rolling in post-2 PM, giving the Cup and Xfinity series runs a weather-wracked edge. NASCAR has already felt Mother Nature’s hand. Qualifying for today’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 was canceled due to rain and lightning, forcing starting positions to be set by performance metrics rather than pace. Weather updates indicate dangerous rip currents and rough surf to continue through late Sunday night.

Meanwhile, forecasting models warn that if rain moves in around race time, red-flag delays could stretch for hours. Potentially pushing the finish well into the evening or even to Monday, as has become all too familiar. In short, the weather machine is revving up. History suggests a high-stakes battle between rain gear and race gear.

Weather Alert: Thunderstorms are forecast for the DAYTONA area including lightning. We advise you to secure items at campsites. Please seek appropriate shelter. pic.twitter.com/zF3YPygzHU

If storms hit mid-race, NASCAR will enact its standard delay procedures: red-flagging the race until lightning and water clear. Even after the rain stops, drying the 2.5-mile oval can take two hours or more, depending on the severity. An extended delay could force a late-night finish or even a Monday continuation. The Weather Protection Program allows spectators with regular grandstand tickets to exchange unused tickets if the race is postponed entirely, though it does not apply to shortened or delayed events. Teams may adopt aggressive early strategies. They could be pushing for stage points or track position early. At the mercy of the elements, the race may hinge more on lightning than horsepower.

Daytona has always lived at the intersection of speed and uncertainty, and this weekend is no different. From rain-shortened classics to late-night marathons, the track’s history proves that weather can be as decisive as horsepower. With thunderstorms once again looming, fans and teams alike will be watching the skies as closely as the leaderboard. At Daytona, Mother Nature has a way of writing her own ending.

Key contenders expected to perform at an unpredictable Daytona

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series regular season wraps up under the lights at Daytona International Speedway. This will be in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 event of 160 laps, 400 miles, and one last shot at playoff qualification. This superspeedway finale brings its signature chaos. It will include tight drafting packs, high-speed unpredictability, and a history of sudden season-turning moments. With two playoff spots still up for grabs, tension will rival the thunder of engines on the banked turns.

Alex Bowman sits on the bubble, starting second alongside Ryan Blaney after qualifying was washed out. He clings to the 16th and final playoff spot. He is just 60 points ahead of Chris Buescher and 29 points ahead of Tyler Reddick. Only a win can rescue either of those rivals. Meanwhile, William Byron, already the regular-season champion, starts eighth and could offer teammate Bowman a timely assist with strategic drafting support.

Daytona’s unpredictability often rewards experience. Ryan Blaney has scored three top-fives in his last six starts. Chase Elliott leads all drivers with an 11.6 average finish on drafting tracks since 2022. Meanwhile, Austin Cindric returns as the 2022 Daytona 500 winner. Dark horses include Chris Buescher, steady in superspeedway top-10s, and Denny Hamlin. Hamlin’s three Daytona 500 wins underline his late-race prowess.

As anticipation builds, the spotlight turns to Daytona International Speedway itself. It is a track that has long symbolized both opportunity and heartbreak. Its wide drafting lanes and unpredictable pack racing have produced some of NASCAR’s most unforgettable finishes. With the weather looming and the stakes high, the challenge of mastering this 2.5-mile superspeedway may prove just as decisive as any driver’s form heading into the weekend.