NASCAR Announces New Date for 2027 Daytona 500
In a strategic move to enhance fan experience and avoid scheduling conflicts with the NFL, NASCAR has confirmed that the 2027 Daytona 500 will take place on February 21, 2027. This adjustment shifts the annual kickoff race of the NASCAR season from its traditional Presidents’ Day weekend slot.
Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway, emphasized the importance of advance planning for fans traveling from across the United States and numerous countries. “We wanted to give our amazing and loyal fans plenty of opportunity to prepare to be in Daytona Beach for the excitement ‘The Great American Race’ provides each year,” Kelleher stated.
The Daytona 500, recognized as NASCAR’s premier event, will now take place one week post-Super Bowl LVII, which is scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The shift aims to prevent overlapping with the NFL’s most significant game, an issue that has been at the forefront of NASCAR’s scheduling considerations.
For context, the 2026 Daytona 500 is set for February 15, 2026. Reigning champions William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports will aim to defend their title, as the last ten Daytona 500 races have all sold out, showcasing the event’s enduring popularity.
