It was the perfect storm for NASCAR. The first woman in 10 years running in the biggest race, a defending champion ready to set forth in his title defense, and 150,000 fans anticipating a great time in Florida.
I was ready, and able, to spend hours watching an HD television to see who will be the biggest name spoken of during the first week of the season. All my gear was laid out, ready to be worn. The drinks, snacks, and everything else involved with NASCAR was at my disposal.
So what did I, and all fans around the country, get in return…Mother Nature.
After two weeks of perfect weather at Daytona Beach, the season’s biggest event suddenly had to dodge rain drops, and see on-track action from the jet driers. Pockets of dry air hit the area, but soon followed with either sprinkles or downpours. The drying continued, as everyone watching was hoping for some good news.
But alas, Mother Nature decided it was her turn to reign supreme.
For the first time in the race’s history, the marquee event for NASCAR has been postponed by a day. The Daytona 500 has experienced a delayed start, as it did in 1995, and has also been run short of the scheduled distance, as it was in 2003 and in 2009. But never has such a big event been delayed a day because of weather.
As a fan, weather is the one thing that can ruin a great day at the track, and I speak of experience as I was in Michigan back in 2001 when the race went under a rain delay just one lap from halfway. Had it gone two more laps, the race would have been official, and unfortunately I had to leave early to make it home because of work. Trying to make it to a parking lot in the rain is never fun. I remember in 2010 being in Alabama and experiencing an entire day of activity at the track canceled because of major storms in the area, and wanting others to be safe.
Sure enough, after being at the track for an hour, I went to the hotel and no sooner as I sat down in my room the skies opened up and the rain came down like Niagara Falls.
Now, the biggest event of the year will have to experience the same fate. The crowd won’t be as big, as Monday obligations will effect many. Some may change plans to make the race, and come home on Tuesday. But it’s still the Daytona 500, there will still be a winner at the end of the day, and the prestige will still be there. So it will be a day later, it is still the “Great American Race.”
The race will still be broadcast on FOX beginning at 12 Noon.
*UPDATE*
Persistent rain at the track this morning forced NASCAR to decide to move the Daytona 500 to a 7 p.m. ET start rather than Noon. FOX will still provide the live coverage for fans.
NASCAR President Mike Helton advised media this morning that there is an option of pushing the race to Tuesday should the weather issues persist.