DAYTONA, FL (352today.com) – All eyes are on Daytona for what typically is the kickoff to the NASCAR Cup Series and one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races, the Daytona 500, which is scheduled for this Sunday.

Speedweek brings in thousands of race fans from around the U.S. to the Daytona International Speedway for racing events that kicked off Wednesday. It’s not only the biggest NASCAR race but huge for the economy as hotels and restaurants fill up well before and after.

Joey Logano celebrates with team members after taking the pole position in qualifying for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at Daytona International Speedway. Courtesy: AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

The million-dollar question going into this weekend is will rainy weather delay or even possibly postpone the event.

The forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) for the Daytona area isn’t looking favorable for Sunday’s race.

Here’s the day-by-day outlook from the NWS:

Daytona Forecast

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.

Friday Night: A 20% chance of showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East southeast wind around 5 mph becoming west northwest after midnight.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: Showers. Low around 53. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday: A 50% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Windy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Sunday Night: A 30% chance of showers, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Courtesy: NWS

So, what happens if there are rain delays for the fans?

According to Daytona International’s website it states, “Regular grandstand tickets for a postponed NASCAR event purchased directly from the track are eligible for an exchange under this policy. Unused tickets may be exchanged for a grandstand ticket of equal or lesser value of the amount paid. Complimentary regular grandstand tickets are not eligible for exchange under this policy. Restrictions also apply to corporate tickets and other special purchase situations. Account holders should contact the track ticket office after the postponed event has been completed with questions regarding eligibility.”

But race fans are hoping somehow forecasters are wrong and this will turn out to be a great weekend for racing.

Here is the schedule as of this writing:

Thursday, 7 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. – NASCAR Bluegreen Vacations Cup Series Duel Races
Friday, 7:30 p.m. – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 250
Saturday, 5:00 p.m. – Xfinity Series United Rentals 300
Sunday, 2:30 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, Michael McDowell took second place on the grid during qualifying for Sunday’s race. Courtesy: AP Photo/Terry Renna