Daytona 500 Weather: Latest Updates Heading into 2013 Great American Race

NASCAR will be hoping that the 2013 Daytona 500 won't have to deal with any weather delays after last year's race drug on through Monday. It was the first time that had ever happened in the history of the Great American Race.

The prospects looked a little bleak last night, but the NASCAR gods are apparently smiling down on the Daytona International Speedway, because the weather is holding up. Paul Dellegatto of Fox 13 in Tampa tweeted out that the forecast is looking rather promising:

It's hard to argue NASCAR doesn't deserve some good news after yesterday's crash at the Nationwide Series Drive4COPD 300. Twenty-eight fans were injured when Kyle Larson's car ran into the catch fencing along the track, spraying debris everywhere.

The crash was one of the most horrific accidents ever seen on a racetrack, but luckily for Larson, the advancements made in car technology likely saved his life. With essentially half the car gone, Larson simply climbed right out of the car as if nothing had happened.

The racing organization chose to continue the Daytona 500 as it was normally scheduled, feverishly working to ensure the track and surrounding fencing would be ready by the time the green flag drops (h/t the Associated Press via FoxSports.com).

As for the drivers, 2012 Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth will be looking to join the five drivers who have won the Daytona 500 on at least three occasions. Winning in consecutive years is no easy task, though, considering the last man to do it was Sterling Marlin in the 1994 and 1995 races.