NASCAR’s annual exhibition race, known as The Clash, is set to make its long‑awaited comeback at Daytona International Speedway in February 2027, ending a six‑year absence from the Florida venue. The event, which does not award points toward the championship, will serve as a high‑octane prelude to the season‑opening Daytona 500 on February 21.
A historic venue welcomes the series back
The Clash first found its home at Daytona from 1979 through 2021, becoming a staple of the sport’s early calendar. After a stint in Los Angeles, the race moved to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, where it was staged from 2023 to 2025. Persistent winter weather in the Tar Heel State forced two postponements in 2024 and 2025, underscoring the logistical challenges of scheduling a marquee event in a region prone to snow and ice.
In 2027 the series will return to its original coastal setting, with the race slated for February 13. The exhibition will be sponsored by Wheatley American Vodka, adding a new commercial partner to the tradition. While the event remains a non‑points affair, its placement just days before the Daytona 500 offers teams and fans a crucial opportunity to fine‑tune setups and generate early momentum for the season.
For Daytona International Speedway, the return of The Clash represents more than a scheduling decision; it is a homecoming that reinforces the track’s cultural significance within NASCAR. The venue, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, has long been synonymous with high‑speed drama and fan‑filled grandstands. As the sport looks ahead, the 2027 Clash promises to blend heritage with fresh energy, setting the stage for what many anticipate will be an unforgettable Daytona 500.