Daytona 500 Start Time: Delay Will Hurt Focus of NASCAR's Top Stars

For the first time in NASCAR history, the Daytona 500 will be on a Monday and many of the top stars will suffer because of it.

In the race's 54-year history, this is the first time that the speedway was too wet to race on and after a four-hour delay, they were forced to postpone. The uncertainty of the entire ordeal will ruin the focus of racers like Danica Patrick—who is anxious enough about her first race at Daytona—and current pole-sitter, Carl Edwards.

Edwards, was quoted as saying that, “This is one of the toughest thing for drivers. It’s now who can really stay focused.”

“As a race team, you start to think about the logistics,” said Dave Rogers. Rogers, the crew chief for Kyle Busch, speaks for everyone when he talks about the inconvenience of a delayed trip to Phoenix. “Phoenix is next week—it’s a long trip for these transport drivers. If it gets delayed too long, it could have consequences that bleed over into next week’s event.

The delay changes the preparation for everyone involved in the Daytona 500 and of the eight storms that have caused delays in the history of the race, this is the first that has been this severe.

Other racers, like Bobby Labonte, were utterly confused as to how to prepare for the rest of his day as they were unsure if they would be racing or not. Mechanics, pit crews and officials were equally troubled and conflicted.

Tomorrow still looks at a 70 percent chance of rain and threatens plans for the next travel to Phoenix as it is a 32-hour drive. If it is postponed until Tuesday, this will change logistical plans for the entire team. This distraction, too, will play into the minds of the lesser-focused, newer racers.

For small teams like Nemco Motorsports, whose hauler will be on his way to Phoenix on Tuesday night, another potential delay could be detrimental to the less-marketable crew.

The anxiety of knowing there was a good car ready to be driven on Sunday night and may not be at the same level on Monday, is a frustrating experience for NASCAR drivers.

Besides anxiety and travel logistics, there’s also the obvious issue of potential safety hazards.

“The rain will make the track a little more abrasive to start,” said Carl Edwards. “I think NASCAR will have a competition caution.”

Luckily, we are dealing with professional drivers and when push comes to shove, we’ll learn just how impressive these athletes are once more.

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