The 2025 NASCAR season was set to ramp up at Daytona International Speedway with a packed schedule leading into the Daytona 500. However, Mother Nature had other plans. After the lighting qualifying session on Wednesday, heavy rain and thunderstorms halted key events on Thursday. Weather conditions forced officials to cancel key practice sessions, putting teams and drivers in a difficult position just days before the Great American Race.

The ARCA Menards Series practice originally scheduled for Thursday Afternoon was the first to be wiped out by rain. Shortly after, NASCAR confirmed the cancellation of the Truck Series practice, which was supposed to take place at 5:05 p.m. ET. The major concern now is how the weather could affect the two 150-mile Duel races which are crucial for determining the final lineup of the Daytona 500. These races are set for late evening, but with thunderstorms and lightning looming, it remained uncertain.

This isn’t the first time bad weather has disrupted Daytona Speedweeks. Last year’s Daytona 500 suffered a rainout, forcing officials to postpone the race to Monday. Now, with rain, lightning, and a 50% chance of precipitation on Sunday, there’s growing concern that NASCAR could be facing another weather-induced headache for its biggest event of the year.

Adding to the tension is the fact that this year’s Daytona 500 features the largest entry list since 2015, with 49 cars vying for a spot in the 40-car field. While some drivers, like Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric, have already locked in their starting positions through qualifying, several others—including Corey LaJoie, Anthony Alfredo, and B.J. McLeod—must race their way in through the Duel races. For these drivers, the weather disruptions have worsened an already stressful situation.

Weather forecast for Daytona 500 weekend

The weather at Daytona Beach remains a major concern as the weekend approaches. After Thursday’s storms disrupted practice sessions, forecasts suggest more rain and thunderstorms could affect the rest of Speedweek. Conditions are expected to worsen on Friday, with an 88% chance of rain during the day. Thunderstorms remain a major threat as cloud cover is projected to be at 98%.

The final cup series practice session before the race is scheduled for Saturday, 15th February. However, the weather doesn’t look promising as an 82% chance of rain and potential thunderstorms could limit teams’ final tune-ups. Temperatures will remain mild, but wet conditions may lead to further delays. Notably, The Daytona 500 itself is under threat, with a 75% chance of rain.

While the likelihood of thunderstorms is lower than on Friday, persistent cloud cover and scattered showers could affect the race. The potential for delays or even a Monday postponement looms large, much like last year’s weather-related rescheduling. With NASCAR’s biggest race of the year at risk of disruption, teams and fans will be closely monitoring the weather. If history repeats itself, the Daytona 500 may once again face a battle against Mother Nature before the green flag even waves.