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NASCAR moves start time for Xfinity Series' United Rentals 300 to one hour after Daytona 500

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•02/19/24•

SamraSource

Daytona NASCAR charter negotiations
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR can’t catch a break from Mother Nature at Daytona, even after moving the scheduled start time for the Xfinity Series and Cup Series races.

The Xfinity Series was ready to roll on Saturday, but rain forced the race to move to Monday in the early afternoon, but a consistent drizzle has made even that start-time not feasible any longer. With the Daytona 500 slated to kickoff the Cup season at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, changes had to be made.

Now, NASCAR will be running the Xfinity Series race approximately one hour after Monday’s Daytona 500, which should put green flag somewhere around 9:00 p.m. for the race.

“NEWS: Due to inclement weather this morning, the #XfinitySeries start time is being moved to approximately one hour after today’s #DAYTONA500,” the Xfinity Series posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The adjusted start time will now be approximately 9 p.m. ET on FS1, @MRNRadio and @SiriusXMNASCAR Radio.”

Alas, it’s not the greatest scenario, but at least it seems like we’ll get both races in on Monday, even with some hiccups due to rain this morning.

Hailie Deegan, Natalie Decker first two women in same Xfinity Series race since 2014

For the first time since 2014, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will have two women in the same race with Hailie Deegan and Natalie Decker qualifying, when we do go racing. Deegan was going to make the United Rentals 300 despite qualifying results, but Decker earned her way in with DGM Racing. 

These are two racers who get a ton of criticism, and many times, overblown criticism. Women in motorsports have made great strides in recent years, but there are always going to be haters. 

Well, let them hate. Hailie Deegan and Natalie Decker will both start the United Rentals 300. Deegan was P28 on speed while Decker was P30 after David Starr had his time disallowed. It was a solid lap from both drivers and they should have a bit of speed in the draft. 

The last Xfinity Series race to feature two women was at Kansas in 2014. Jennifer Jo Cobb finished P24 in that race for Rick Ware Racing. Milka Duno from Venezuela finished P40 in a DNF effort for RAB Racing.