Sunday's running of the Great American Race was plagued by delays caused by a hole in the track, which could have been aggravated by heavy rains and cool temperatures.

Record cold in Florida during the first week of January, accompanied by severe storms hitting the area last week, could have caused the pavement to become gouged between turns 1 and 2 of Daytona International Speedway.

NASCAR and track officials examine a pothole in the track during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. (AP Photo/Russell Williams)
While Daytona hasn't been repaved since 1977, old age is definitely a factor in the track's most recent problems, but this likely not the only factor.

Above-normal rainfall so far for the month of February could have also significantly impacted the asphalt.

The normal rainfall total for February is 1.49 inches, which has already been broken by the current total of 2.69 inches so far for the month.

Below-freezing temperatures affecting the citrus groves also brought similar cold to Daytona in early January. Pavement cracks are much more likely in colder climates, which usually isn't an issue for Florida.

Sunday's Daytona 500 was chillier than usual, sporting a high of only 55 F.

Two red flag stops and delays adding up to more than two hours interrupted Daytona's biggest race. The pothole was nearly 2 inches deep and roughly 9 by 15 inches in size.

The initial fix of the pothole didn't work, and the second round of maintenance was also unsuccessful. The hole had begun to reopen by the end of the 200-lap race.

Several upcoming events, including Bike Week, will utilize the track beginning March 5. There has been no official word about when the track will be repaved.

The Sprint Cup returns to Daytona in July.

Upcoming Race Weather The Sprint Cup heads to Fontana, Calif., on Sunday, where highs will be in the upper 50s under mostly cloudy skies.

Story by AccuWeather.com's Carly Porter.