Executives at FOX surely won't like it, but it's looking increasingly likely that the start of the 2012 Daytona 500 will be delayed thanks to heavy downpour in the Daytona area. As can be seen on weather.com's interactive map, a large system of precipitation is currently hovering over eastern Florida, including Daytona Beach, and there is more behind it as the rain continues to move east over the Atlantic Ocean.

That matches up with reports from Daytona, many of which suggest that the 11 a.m. MT start time of the race is in serious jeopardy.

Rain now pounding Daytona speedway. Not looking good for a 1:15 start. #nascar

— Mike Hembree (@mikehembree) February 26, 2012

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