Daytona 500 rained out, set for Monday DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Stubborn rain showers at Daytona International Speedway Sunday forced the postponement of the Sprint Cup season-opening Daytona 500. Race officials announced the prestigious Florida race would instead be held at noon Monday. The postponement was the first in the Daytona 500's 53-year history. A persistent rain began falling 3hours before the scheduled 1:29 p.m. start and didn't let up. Hopes for running a nighttime race were dashed when radar showed more rain approaching the Daytona Beach area.