Daytona NASCAR race delayed by rain

The Coke Zero 400 is infinitely delayed due to heavy and persistent rain hitting Daytona International Speedway.

Rain began falling steadily at the track late in the afternoon, interrupting what was supposed to be NBC's re-debut of covering the Sprint Cup Series. The network had last broadcast NASCAR races in 2006 and is in its first year of a decade-long contract.

In an attempt to court a bigger television viewing audience and not compete directly against Independence Day celebrations, NBC lobbied NASCAR to move the race from its traditional Saturday night slot to Sunday evening.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature failed to cooperate.

Inclement weather has plagued NASCAR's top division several times this season. Bristol Motor Speedway's April 19 race incurred multiple delays due to rain, while the following week thunderstorms forced Richmond International Raceway to move its Saturday night race to Sunday afternoon.

The June 14 race at Michigan International Speedway was continually slowed by rain before ultimately being called 62 laps shy of the scheduled 200-lap distance.