NASCAR has unveiled a revised lineup for its premier Cup Series that blends tradition with fresh ambitions, setting the stage for a season that will open with the iconic Daytona 500 on February 21. The schedule adjustments were detailed in a recent announcement that touches on several historic venues and upcoming street‑race experiments.
Historic tracks make a comeback
Fans will see North Wilkesboro Speedway return to the calendar for the 2027 All‑Star Race, reviving a venue that last hosted a points event in 1996. Similarly, Dover Motor Speedway is slated to reclaim a points race in 2027 after a long hiatus that dates back to 1968, giving the Mid‑Atlantic region a renewed presence on the tour.
The 2028 calendar will no longer feature the street course at Naval Base Coronado. Instead, NASCAR plans to stage another street race on a different military installation next year, though the exact location remains undecided. The organization notes that the Qualcomm Circuit at Coronado will not return immediately but is part of a long‑term vision for more base‑based events.
The Clash returns to Daytona
The preseason exhibition known as The Clash will make its way back to Daytona International Speedway in 2028 for the first time since 2021, marking a homecoming for a race that traditionally kicks off the season a week before the Daytona 500. That year’s Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 21, following the Clash on February 13.
In 2027, the Coronado street race will take place on August 1, featuring all three national series. However, the following year only the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will share the Cup Series stage at that venue, underscoring a shift in how the sport approaches military‑base events.
Looking ahead to 2028
While the exact city for the next military‑base street race is still under consideration, NASCAR’s leadership has indicated that the series will continue to explore unique venues that blend racing with service‑member engagement. The move reflects a broader strategy to diversify the schedule while honoring the sport’s roots in both classic tracks and innovative urban layouts.