NASCAR’s complete 2027 schedule is still months away from being released, but one of the biggest questions surrounding next season now has an official answer.
On Tuesday, NASCAR confirmed that The Clash is returning to Daytona International Speedway in 2027, bringing the preseason exhibition back to the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway while also unveiling the complete Daytona Speedweeks schedule. The announcement marks the first official piece of NASCAR’s 2027 calendar and signals a return to a more traditional start to the Cup Series season.
While many dates for next year remain under wraps, NASCAR has now locked in the schedule for its biggest race weekend of the year.
The newly named Wheatley Vodka Clash will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027, serving as the opening event of Daytona Speedweeks.
The move brings the exhibition race back to Daytona after several years away from its longtime home.
Originally introduced in 1979, The Clash spent decades opening the NASCAR season at Daytona International Speedway before moving to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum beginning in 2022. The event then shifted to Bowman Gray Stadium, where the last two editions were contested.
NASCAR said the format and eligibility requirements for the 2027 Clash will be announced at a later date.
The announcement also coincides with a new multiyear partnership between NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway and Wheatley American Vodka, which becomes the title sponsor of the event.
In addition to confirming The Clash’s return, NASCAR released the complete schedule for Daytona Speedweeks, which will culminate with the 69th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2027.
- Saturday, Feb. 13: Wheatley Vodka Clash
- Wednesday, Feb. 17: NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light
Thursday, Feb. 18: Duel at Daytona
Friday, Feb. 19: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race
Saturday, Feb. 20: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and ARCA Menards Series race
Sunday, Feb. 21: Daytona 500
Saturday, Feb. 13: Wheatley Vodka Clash
Wednesday, Feb. 17: NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light
Friday, Feb. 19: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race
Saturday, Feb. 20: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and ARCA Menards Series race
NASCAR also announced the dates for Daytona’s summer race weekend:
- Friday, Aug. 27: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race
Saturday, Aug. 28: NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400
Friday, Aug. 27: NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race
Saturday, Aug. 28: NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400
Although the remainder of the 2027 national series schedule has yet to be unveiled, NASCAR’s announcement confirms that one of the sport’s most recognizable traditions is heading back to Daytona while giving teams and fans their first official look at next season’s calendar.
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