The rain, rain stayed away.
A window of clear weather allowed NASCAR to get in qualifying for the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, which has had its start time moved up to 4:30 p.m. ET in an effort to get the race in before heavy rain arrives later in the day.
First-time Xfinity Series driver Jesse Love took pole position ahead of his Richard Childress Racing teammate Austin Hill.
Love was the 2023 ARCA Menards Series champion, winning 10 of 20 races on his way to the title, while Hill is the two-time defending champion of the United Rentals 300.
NICK SANCHEZ WINS NASCAR TRUCK SERIES DAYTONA WRECK FEST
A.J. Almendinger, who is returning to the Xfinity Series full-time this year with Kaulig Racing will start third ahead of teammate Shane Van Gisbergen, who made his Xfinity Series debut to kick off a part-time schedule in the series.
Rain is expected in the Daytona area throughout the day and it is not yet clear if the race will be able to start or reach the half-way distance to make it official. Cup Series practice was canceled on Saturday due to the rain.
REPORT SAYS HONDA NASCAR DISCUSSIONS ARE ‘HEATING UP’
The weather system is also threatening Sunday’s Daytona 500, which is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET., and is expected to stay in the area through Monday.
Click here for the full qualifying results
