February 23, 2014 — report by Managing Editor Jacob Seelman — AP Photo/David Graham — DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The 56th running of the Daytona 500 is currently being delayed by light rain that struck the track after less than 35 laps of the 200-lap race had been completed.

The Daytona Beach area is currently under severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings.

The field had completed pit stops under the race’s second caution when the rain arrived. After three additional laps, the cars were sent down pit road and the car covers brought out. The red flag was displayed at 2:13 P.M. ET, on Lap 39.

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch is the race leader after starting 32nd. Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, Brian Vickers and Paul Menard round out the top five at the break.

The race’s two yellows waved for debris after Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Kyle Larson scrubbed the wall and again when outside pole-sitter Martin Truex Jr., who had to start from the rear, suffered an engine failure due to an oil belt issue.

Kurt Busch, who is 11th, has led the most laps so far, at 15.

NASCAR officials are confident the race will be able to go full-distance today, with all rain expected to clear out of the area by 6 P.M. Eastern time.