NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway rained out - Sunday start time and playoff scenario

The NASCAR Cup Series was set for its regular-season finale on Saturday, but heavy rainfall at Daytona International Speedway in Florida forced its postponement to Sunday morning.

The weather is expected to improve, with a 40% chance of rain earlier in the day. The probability increases to 70% in the afternoon.

The race at the 2.5 mile track will determine the 16-driver grid for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott will start the competition at the head of the 37-car field.

Fourteen drivers have already captured slots by winning previous races, and the last two spots are up for grabs.

Blaney and Truex face off

Fifteen pilots are left to compete for the final berths, although Ryan Blaney or Martin Truex Jr. stand to capture one of them.

If either of these two drivers wins Sunday’s race, the other will automatically get the slot based on points already accumulated. If one of the fourteen drivers who already have assured slots in the playoffs comes out on top, both Blaney and Truex advance.

In the event that a new winner emerges on Sunday, the person who finishes with more points between Blaney and Truex would capture the playoffs seat. The rest of the contending drivers must win the race at Daytona to move on to the next level.

Here is the list of drivers vying for the final postseason spots.

The playoffs, composed of 10 races, will begin next weekend on Sunday, Sept. 4 at the Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.

How to watch the NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona