A historic return to Daytona
NASCAR announced that its annual exhibition event, The Clash, will make its long‑awaited return to Daytona International Speedway in February 2027. The race is set for February 13, 2027, exactly one week before the season‑opening Daytona 500, which is scheduled for February 21.
The event will be sponsored by Wheatley American Vodka, adding a high‑profile commercial partnership to the weekend’s festivities. While The Clash is a non‑points race, it serves as a crucial warm‑up for teams and drivers as they fine‑tune their cars before the 500‑mile showdown.
Historically, The Clash has been staged at Daytona since 1979, but the venue experienced a series of relocations in recent years. After a stint at Los Angeles Memorial Stadium from 2022 to 2024, the race moved to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, for the 2023‑2025 editions.
The 2026 edition was postponed twice due to severe winter weather that made travel to Bowman Gray unsafe. Organizers cited hazardous conditions that prevented crews and competitors from reaching the North Carolina venue, prompting a decision to revert to the original Daytona location.
Fans can expect a weekend filled with high‑octane racing, pit‑lane action and a celebration of NASCAR’s heritage. The return to Daytona is being hailed as a restoration of tradition, bringing the iconic speedway back into the spotlight for a marquee exhibition that precedes the most prestigious race of the season.