DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. >> The Daytona 500 has resumed after two weather delays totaling more than 3 1/2 hours, and with President Donald Trump set to watch the rest of the race in Florida, after he earlier led drivers on two laps around the track in his heavily armored presidential limousine known in Washington as “The Beast.”

The rain appeared to be gone for good when the season-opener started close to 3:30 p.m. PST (6:30 p.m. EST) and the Daytona 500 was set to finish Sunday under the lights.

Trump won’t be around when the checkered flag drops. Trump, who made his second visit to the Daytona 500 following a 2020 stop, spoke to the drivers as he led them through several ceremonial laps.

“This is your favorite president. I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people,” Trump said. “How you do this I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe. You’re talented people and you’re great people and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”

Trump left the track shortly after the Daytona 500 went into a rain delay.

NASCAR officials moved the start time to 2 p.m. Eastern earlier this week — 70 minutes ahead of the planned green flag — because of potential rain. Sure enough, inclement weather hit the area, forcing a delay that stretched into early evening.

“Captain America” actor Anthony Mackie landed at the “Great American Race” and gave the command for drivers to start their engines.