Marcos Ambrose’s bid to win the iconic Daytona 500 will have to wait a day after the NASCAR Sprint Cup season opener was postponed due to persistent rain in Florida.

For the first time in the race’s 53-year history, organisers were forced to delay the race until midday Monday Florida time (Tuesday 0400 AEDT) as rain failed to clear at the Daytona Speedway.

The 500 has been shortened by rain four times but never delayed for a whole day, meaning former V8 Supercars champion Ambrose had a frustrating wait for a decision to be made.

The Tasmanian will start from seventh position, giving him his best chance in his NASCAR career of winning the marquee event.

“It’s a frustrating thing to go through all of the build-up twice but everyone is in the same situation,” Ambrose said of the delay.

“The Stanley Ford Fusion has been really quick all week long; we’ve got a great package together.

“Daytona this week has all been about being in the right place at the right time, the plan is to stay out of trouble early and make a charge at the end.”

Monday’s forecast in Daytona is for more rain early in the day, meaning the start could again be delayed, though the showers are expected to clear in the afternoon.

“It’s a shame for the fans, and a shame for NASCAR that we couldn’t get the race in today,” Ambrose said.

“We’re ready to go, but there isn’t much we can do about the weather, at least the forecast for tomorrow looks brighter.”