Clash in Daytona and playoff tweaks: NASCAR unveils 2027 season calendar

Key takeaways

• The Clash returns to Daytona: NASCAR will open 2027 at Daytona International Speedway for the pre-season exhibition event ahead of the Daytona 500.
• Playoff structure modifications: The Chase will begin at Richmond, with Darlington hosting the regular-season finale and Watkins Glen acting as the lone road course in the postseason.
• All-Star and venue adjustments: The All-Star Race heads back to North Wilkesboro, while Dover reclaims a regular-season points race.

NASCAR announced the full 2027 calendar for all three national series—the Cup Series, O’Reilly Series, and Truck Series. While the flagship Cup Series schedule does not feature any brand-new venues, significant calendar adjustments highlight the upcoming competitive layout.

The pre-season Clash exhibition moves back to Daytona International Speedway for the first time since 2021, running immediately prior to the season-opening Daytona 500. Additionally, the non-points All-Star Race shifts back to North Wilkesboro Speedway, allowing Dover Motor Speedway to return as a regular-season points-paying event.

Significant changes also hit the postseason. The Chase will kick off at Richmond Raceway, with the Darlington 500 serving as the regular-season finale. Watkins Glen International returns to the playoff rotation as the single road course in the postseason, while New Hampshire Motor Speedway shifts back into the championship stretch.

Elsewhere, the San Diego Street Circuit moves to a later summer date, and Iowa Speedway takes over the 4th of July holiday weekend slot. The season includes two off-weeks: one during Easter in March and another in mid-August.

The schedule release lands as paddock news continues across motorsport, with IndyCar advancing plans for a 2027 race in Goiânia and Luke Browning preparing to replace Alexander Albon for Williams in FP1 at Monza. Meanwhile, Marc Márquez remains confident in his physical recovery ahead of the Aragon GP.

NASCAR Cup Series 2027 Schedule

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Where will the 2027 NASCAR Clash take place?

The Clash returns to Daytona International Speedway, taking place on February 13, 2027, ahead of the Daytona 500.

2. Which track hosts the final race of the 2027 regular season?

Darlington Raceway will host the final regular-season race on September 5, 2027, before the playoffs begin at Richmond.

3. What is the only road course in the 2027 NASCAR playoffs?

Watkins Glen International serves as the sole road course layout included in the 2027 postseason schedule.