NASCAR’s season-opening Clash race is going back to Daytona in 2027: Sources - The Athletic

NASCAR is bringing its season-opening exhibition race back to its roots. Starting in 2027, the Clash will return to the oval at Daytona International Speedway after a six-year break. The race is scheduled for Saturday, February 13, one week before the Daytona 500.

This shift follows a three-year residency at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and a two-year stint at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina. While NASCAR has not made an official announcement, sources confirm the move aims to restore the event to its traditional location. The race was originally created in 1979 to build anticipation for the Daytona 500, and many in the industry view this return as a popular decision.

Teams are already adjusting their preparations for the change. Because racing on a high-speed drafting track often leads to significant car damage, crews must prepare additional superspeedway equipment for the event. The race remains a unique exhibition on the schedule, and drivers such as Erik Jones have expressed excitement about returning to the facility to kick off the season.

NASCAR is currently in final negotiations with a potential sponsor for the Clash, which is expected to be finalized soon. While the full 2027 schedule is not yet public, fans can expect the season to begin with a familiar scene under the lights at Daytona.