Rain disrupts Daytona build-up

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars were set to complete a practice session in the early afternoon, but rain did not allow the session to go ahead as planned and teams will have to shakedown their fresh engines during Saturday's final practice session for the Daytona 500, weather permitting.

The Nationwide Series qualifying session also had to be cancelled as rain continued in the afternoon and the field has been set based on last year's owners' standings, putting Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on pole position, while Danica Patrick will make her debut in the series from 15th on the grid.

"This is a whole other ball of wax, and the car is not easy to drive," said Patrick ahead of her Nationwide Series debut. "There are a lot of really great drivers out there, really great teams, and everyone is running close. I'm glad to be out there."

The rain eventually stopped and the Truck Series race looked set to go ahead later at night as jet dryers got on track, but then a new shower dashed any hopes for the fans waiting to see some activity. The race, which will mark Nelson Piquet's debut in the series, will now take place on Saturday night.

Weather forecasts show only 20 per cent chance of rain for today, although the temperatures will be low.

Sprint Cup cars will be the first to hit the pavement for their final practice and lay down some rubber before the Nationwide Series race.