DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Rain has interrupted the Daytona 500 on Sunday after 11 laps. President Donald Trump, in his heavily armored presidential limousine known as “The Beast,” had led the drivers for two laps around the track just before the rain delay.
The caution flag came out with defending Daytona 500 champion William Byron out front.
Rain started falling in turns one and two, the West side of the 2 1/2-mile Daytona International Speedway.
Trump spoke to the drivers as he led them through several ceremonial laps.
“This is your favorite president. I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people,” Trump expressed. “How you do this I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe. You’re talented people and you’re great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun, and I’ll see you later.”
NASCAR officials had moved the start time to 2 p.m. Eastern, 70 minutes ahead of the original schedule, in anticipation of potential rain. The inclement weather is expected between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a high likelihood of rain at 99%. Given the approximate two-hour time frame needed to dry the track, the race might not resume until around 7 p.m.
” Captain America ” actor Anthony Mackie landed at the “Great American Race” and gave the command for drivers to start their engines.
AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
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