Daytona Beach, FL - A presidential hot lap, a delayed start and a deluge of rain is just one way to recap what ended up becoming the first day of the 62nd Daytona 500.
Race fans were told all week to get to the track earlier than they usually do for the 500 in anticipation of President Donald Trump's arrival.
As the day marched on, fans and drivers enjoyed temperatures in the 70s and clear skies as race time neared. Darius Rucker played a short pre-race concert and eventually Air Force One made a circle around Daytona before touching down just behind the World Center of Racing.
It wasn't too long after that when fans saw the presidential motorcade enter the speedway, where President Trump was scheduled to give the most famous command in racing, the command to start the engines.
After giving the command, President Trump joined the motorcade again and participated in a hot lap around Daytona International Speedway in "The Beast." Afterward, fans and residents watched – and heard – as Air Force One departed Daytona Beach.
All in all, not a bad start to the day. But, that's where the decline began.
The actual start of the Daytona 500 was delayed before drivers could even take to the track after a passing shower dropped rain on the speedway. Once an hour had passed, drivers were given the command to start their engines, yet again, and take to the track for their warm-up laps. So far, it looked like the Daytona 500 was finally ready to begin.
However, as luck would have it, the rain came yet again, bringing more delays. The process continued in a vicious cycle with rain constantly starting and stopping. Broadcasters and NASCAR officials remained hopeful, waiting to see if any kind of relief would come from the weather.
Eventually, drivers were given the command to return to their cars, remove their covers and prepare to rush the track yet again in preparation for the green.
But, the final nail in the coffin came in the form of a drizzle that ended up turning into a large sudden downpour of rain. Fans, officials and teams scattered for cover. And after putting it off as much as they could, NASCAR officials had no choice but to finally make the call. The 62nd Daytona 500 had to be delayed.
Staff with the Daytona International Speedway announced in an email that parking lots will reopen at 11 a.m. today (February 17th). Gates and the UNOH Fanzone open at 1 p.m. with hospitality areas opening at 2 p.m. All tickets and passes will be honored.
