What the rumored 2027 lineup looks like
The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi recently outlined a tentative 2027 schedule that is still being refined, with the official announcement expected in a few weeks. Central to the discussion is the fate of several historic tracks that have long shaped the NASCAR calendar.
Bristol Motor Speedway, known for its short, high‑banked oval, is slated to return to the regular season next year, a move that many fans welcome as a nod to the track’s storied past. In contrast, Darlington Raceway and World Wide Technology Raceway are rumored to be excised from the postseason Chase, prompting speculation about which venues will fill those spots.
Sources suggest that Richmond Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and Watkins Glen International are the leading candidates to replace the removed tracks. Each of these venues offers a distinct style — Richmond’s short track, New Hampshire’s road‑course layout, and Watkins Glen’s challenging turns — raising questions about how the playoff picture will be reshaped.
Another hot topic is the prospect of NASCAR expanding into Chicago. The series could debut either on a downtown street circuit or at the traditional oval at Chicagoland Speedway. While the idea excites some, many longtime supporters have expressed frustration at the notion of dropping a long‑standing venue after just one year of competition.
North Wilkesboro, which has served as a points‑paying event and recently hosted the All‑Star race from 2023 to 2025, is also under scrutiny. Fans have rallied around the idea of preserving the track’s place on the schedule, while others hope that Rockingham might make a comeback, though its shaky ownership makes that unlikely for the foreseeable future.
Fan reaction and what’s at stake
Social media feeds have been flooded with criticism, especially regarding the potential removal of North Wilkesboro and the inclusion of Richmond in the playoffs. Long‑time followers argue that these changes could dilute the traditional charm of the sport, while others see them as necessary evolution to keep NASCAR relevant in a changing market.
The backlash underscores a broader tension between preserving NASCAR’s heritage and embracing new opportunities. As the series prepares to unveil its 2027 calendar, the balance between fan expectations and strategic growth will be put to the test.