NASCAR Plans for 2026 Clash Event: International Expansion on Hold
NASCAR is poised to maintain a domestic focus for its preseason Clash event in 2026, as confirmed by Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. Despite earlier speculation about relocating the event internationally, particularly to Brazil, Kennedy stated, “More than likely it will stay domestic.”
Full details of the 2026 schedule, including the Clash’s location, will be released in the coming months. Kennedy emphasized the potential for future international events, particularly as exhibition races in the offseason, but reaffirmed that current plans will keep the Clash within U.S. borders.
The Clash recently took place at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina, marking its first return to the venue since 1971. Previously, the event had been hosted at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum from 2022 to 2024, and prior to that, at Daytona during Speedweeks from 1979 to 2021.
Kennedy reiterated the event’s significance, stating, “I think we’ll continue to have the Clash prior to the Daytona 500. It’s a great opportunity for us to build up some momentum in anticipation for our biggest event of the year.” The Clash remains a critical kickoff to the NASCAR season, reinforcing its traditional role ahead of the Daytona 500.
