Daytona 500 Delayed by Extreme Weather

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A crew member runs on the track during a rain delay at the Daytona 500 Sunday, Feb. 23.

Image: Terry Renna/Associated Press

By Karissa Bell2014-02-24 00:02:42 UTC

Nascar fans, officials and drivers have taken to Twitter to discuss Sunday's delays at the Daytona 500. The race was halted after just 38 laps due to extreme weather conditions that included heavy rain and a tornado watch.

See also: 20 Gripping Photos of Extreme Weather

Nascar fans who remained at the event despite the weather were reportedly taking cover underneath the grandstands.

The tornado warnings were lifted by 5 p.m. ET when race officials began making efforts to dry the track.

But no sooner had the process started than the rain started up again. "More rain now," tweeted Nascar's senior vice president Steve O'Donnell. "Need this cell to break apart!!!"

With the race delayed, many Nascar drivers and officials took to social media to discuss the bad weather and discuss how they were filling their time during the delay.

As of 6:30 p.m. ET, It wasn't yet clear when the race would resume. Daytona's track does have lights so the race could be resumed in the evening, though the track will take longer to dry without the sun, tweeted O'Donnell.

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Topics: Daytona 500, Entertainment, Sports, U.S., Weather