Just in time for the 57th Daytona 500, Mother Nature delivers. Sunday's forecast for NASCAR's first race of the 2015 season will go off on a warm, sunny day, forecasters say.
That's a great relief for drivers, teams and fans. Speedweeks weather was seldom postcard perfect, with colder temperatures than usual.
The best news is simple: It won't rain.
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The past three years were trying times at Daytona, with rain marring the race in 2012 and 2014. Even 2013's race came off with a threat of rain.
So barring a freak of nature, NASCAR and Daytona officials won't need to roll out the jet dryers or park cars under tarps for extended lengths of time.
Best of all, if the forecast holds: No Monday night finish to the Great American Race.
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Look for a high temperature of 79 degrees Sunday, according to Wunderground.com. That's in stark contrast to days leading up to the race in which sock caps and heavy coats were the other of the day. Warming up cars and tires won't be a problem.
Friday was clear at Daytona International Speedway, and that is the template for Sunday — but with a high 30 degrees warmer.
No rain is forecast Saturday, meaning other Daytona races will go off as scheduled. Qualifying for the Xfinity series Alert Today Florida 300 begins at 12:30 p.m. ET, with green flag scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Green flag for Sunday's Daytona 500 is scheduled for 1:31 p.m. ET.