NASCAR’s exhibition Clash is set to make its long‑awaited comeback at Daytona International Speedway in February 2027, ending a six‑year hiatus that began after the event’s last run in 2021.
A return to the sport’s most iconic venue
The race will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2027, and will serve as a non‑points qualifier that leads into the Daytona 500 a week later. While the Clash does not affect the championship standings, it provides teams and drivers with a crucial opportunity to fine‑tune cars and strategies ahead of the season’s flagship event.
Wheatley American Vodka has been named the official sponsor of the 2027 Clash, bringing its brand to a platform that has historically showcased the pageantry and excitement of stock car racing.
From Los Angeles to Winston‑Salem and back again
The Clash first found a permanent home at Daytona in 1979, where it remained a staple until 2021. After a brief stint in Los Angeles and a series of runs at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston‑Salem, the event was forced to relocate repeatedly as the series sought a suitable venue. In 2024, organizers postponed the race twice because of severe winter weather in North Carolina, with snow‑covered roads making travel impossible for teams and fans alike.
Now, with the weather threat receding and the track prepared for a fresh coat of asphalt, the series looks forward to delivering a spectacle that blends tradition with the excitement of a new sponsor. Fans can expect a weekend filled with high‑octane competition, pit‑lane drama and the unmistakable roar of engines echoing across the famous tri‑oval.
The upcoming Clash will not only mark a return to Daytona but also signal a fresh chapter for NASCAR’s early‑season calendar, as the series leans into the historic track’s rich heritage while embracing new partnerships that help broaden its reach.