The first Cup Series practice for the Daytona 500 will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Qualifying will occur that evening, ushering in a schedule chock-full of racing through Sunday. Or longer? The rain chance continues to creep up for Sunday afternoon’s race. It now sits at 50%, according to the National Weather Service.

Will you need to bring an umbrella or poncho for Sunday's big race? Here's the latest outlook for Daytona Beach weekend weather.

Here's what to know about the Daytona 500, even if you're starting with no knowledge about NASCAR or auto racing. The Daytona 500 takes place at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16, the Sunday after Valentine's Day. There are 40 drivers in the Daytona 500, unless there are 41 this year under a new rule allowing an “outsider” to enter a Cup race.