The 2027 edition of the Busch Clash will once again be staged on the high‑banked oval of Daytona International Speedway on February 13, marking the race’s return after a three‑year odyssey that took it to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Bowman Gray Stadium and the speedway’s road course.
A historic comeback
Originally launched in 1979 as a modest 20‑lap sprint sponsored by Busch Beer, the event has evolved into a headline attraction that kicks off a double‑weekend of Speedweeks, featuring qualifying races and a cascade of activities that build toward the Daytona 500 on February 21.
The brainchild of Busch Beer executives, the Clash was designed to spark early‑season excitement, and its first winner, Buddy Baker, edged out Darrell Waltrip in a dramatic final‑lap defense that earned the champion a $50,000 purse. The race’s flat‑out format, with no fuel‑saving or pit stops, pits only pole winners from the previous season against one another.
In 2027 the competition will carry a new name — the Wheatley Vodka Clash — while retaining its core purpose of giving teams a high‑speed dress rehearsal and giving fans an early look at paint schemes and strategic directions as they fine‑tune their programs for the premier event.
Beyond the on‑track drama, the revival aims to reinvigorate Daytona’s nine‑day February schedule, boosting local tourism and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for motorsports, hospitality and the vibrant seafood economy that thrives around the speedway.