Daytona weather delay: NASCAR shares new update ahead of Duels

The weather hold has been lifted at Daytona International Speedway for the NASCAR Cup Series to take the track this evening. Tonight the Duels at Daytona will set the starting lineup and lock in the final two open cars into the field.

We are days away from the Daytona 500. A downpour of rain came through the area as well as lightning. The brief storm was enough to cancel ARCA and Truck Series practice.

That hold has now been lifted. Track drying efforts are underway for the NASCAR Duels at Daytona. Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports provided an update on the weather situation.

Lightning hold has been lifted at Daytona so pre-duel preparations can begin. @NASCARONFOX

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2025

There will not be any practice for the Truck Series prior to qualifying. After last year’s wild race at Daytona, I’m not sure having no practice is going to benefit the overall product. But we will see what happens.

The ARCA Menards Series will not qualify. William Sawalich will be on the pole based on 2024 owner point standings. Lawless Alan will be on the front row. There is a hope for a short practice tomorrow, but the lineup has been set. Again, with these developing drivers, more time on track is better for everyone involved.

NASCAR wants to get the Duels at Daytona in the right TV window. So, they are making sure that they can dry the track and get cars racing as soon as possible. The chance of rain moving forward the rest of the week is very low. But there is always a possibility of a pop-up shower in Florida.

NASCAR dodging weather in Daytona

After the heavy rains that plagued almost the entire week last year for the Daytona 500, NASCAR is dodging the weather once again. Getting as much on-track time with each series is the goal and right now, for at least two series, we are off to a rough start.

The Duels at Daytona are the priority for NASCAR and for FOX. They want those races to start on time. Last night for qualifying, there was a 12% bump over last year’s session. Chase Briscoe came out on top with the pole award with Austin Cindric P2.

There is good momentum right now for NASCAR this week. Starting off the week with a double-digit bump in views is fantastic. If the rain stays away, that momentum can be maintained and this could be a great weekend all around for the sport.

Keep your fingers crossed that we get going on time tonight. NASCAR cannot afford another Daytona weekend ruined by rain.