Daytona 500 postponed due to rain

Fox News chief meteorologist Rick Reichmuth says the Daytona 500 is set to restart after its initial rain delay. President Trump started the race on Sunday, flew Air Force One over the race track and drove the presidential limousine around the track.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Daytona 500 is being delayed by rain for the second time, dampening NASCAR's season opener that started with a visit from President Donald Trump.

The first delay lasted 50 minutes and came moments after the presidential motorcade completed a ceremonial parade lap around the 2 1/2-mile track.

Trump's armored limousine nicknamed “The Beast" exited Daytona International Speedway, and the sky opened for a brief shower that forced drivers back to pit road.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

Daytona 500 pole sitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. discusses racing and tries to convince Stuart Varney that NASCAR is better than soccer.

Video

The start already had been pushed back 13 minutes to accommodate Trump's trip. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. eventually led the field to the green flag and was out front for the first 20 laps before heavier rain-soaked a racing surface that takes hours to dry.

It choked some of the excitement out of an event that was a raucous celebration hours earlier, set off by Trump's dramatic entrance. Thousands cheered as Air Force One performed a flyover and landed at Daytona International Airport a few hundred yards behind the track. Trump's motorcade arrived a few minutes later, prompting another loud ovation. Both entrances were broadcast on giant video boards around the superspeedway.

Brad Keselowski stands under an umbrella on pit road as rain forces a red flag during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

DAYTONA 500 TO OFFER RECORD PURSE FOR DRIVERS, NASCAR SAYS

At least a dozen drivers were escorted from the pre-race meeting to a private introduction with Trump.

“I got to meet the president! How cool is that?” driver Aric Almirola said.

Trump served as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500 and gave the command for drivers to start their engines. He then got in the limousine and turned a lap.

The president's visit was widely welcomed by NASCAR fans. Trump 2020 flags flooded the infield, and some fans wore them as capes in the garage area.

Trump's presence also created huge lines at entrances, with many fans complaining while waiting hours to get through security.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Former NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, who was replaced following his August 2018 arrest on DUI charges, was on Air Force One with the president and first lady. They traveled from West Palm Beach.

Among those who met them at the airport: current NASCAR chairman Jim France and fellow top executives Lesa France Kennedy and Ben Kennedy.