NASCAR’s playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway has been postponed a day because of rain.

William Byron won the first stage, moments before scattered showers halted action. The race will resume Monday at 1 p.m. CDT. Byron held off fellow playoff driver Joey Logano to earn the stage victory.

NASCAR called the red flag at the end of the first stage of Sunday’s race. The cars came down pit road and NASCAR initially told the drivers to stay inside the cockpits. As the rain picked up, the drivers climbed out and teams began covering the cars.

Paul Menard used the break between stages to give way to relief driver Matt Crafton. Menard has been bothered by discs in his neck all week and Crafton got time in the No. 21 Ford during Friday practice in anticipation of Menard not being able to finish the race.

Menard is retiring from full-time competition after his 13th full season.

At 2.666-miles, the track takes more than two hours for NASCAR to dry it.

The Alabama superspeedway has a tight window with no lights to permit racing after dark.

Chase Elliott started on the pole with three Hendrick Motorsports teammates right behind him.