Daytona 500 to start later

The 2007 Daytona 500 will have the latest start time in the race's history and could lead to the Great American Race finishing under the lights at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR announced a 3:15 p.m. scheduled start time for the Daytona 500, marking the third consecutive year the start time has been pushed back by at least 30 minutes. DIS Director of Media Relations David Talley said he believes fans will embrace the change, which was made at the request of FOX TV.

"It's a great opportunity for fans to come out earlier and now have time to experience everything the speedway has to offer," Talley said. "And (the possibility of finishing under the lights) adds another element to NASCAR's most prestigious race."

Starting times for Daytona 500 since 2000:

2000: 12:15 p.m.
2001: 1 p.m.
2002: 12:30 p.m.
2003: 1 p.m.
2004: 1:30 p.m.
2005: 2 p.m.
2006: 2:30 p.m.
2007: 3:15 p.m. Daytona Beach News Journal