Richmond Raceway to Lead the 2027 Chase
NASCAR announced that Richmond Raceway will serve as the venue for the opening round of The Chase for the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2027, marking a pivotal expansion of the track’s role in the sport’s championship schedule.
The schedule places the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series postseason kickoff on September 10, 2027, with the premier Cup Series Chase following on September 11, giving fans a back‑to‑back weekend of high‑stakes racing at the historic three‑quarter‑mile facility.
A Milestone for the Track
Richmond Raceway, a cornerstone of short‑track competition, has a long history of delivering memorable moments, and its recent inclusion in the playoff rotation reflects its enduring appeal and the track’s ability to handle the sport’s most demanding events.
Lori Waran, president of Richmond Raceway, said the new arrangement elevates the stakes for drivers and teams while promising an enhanced fan experience that blends tradition with the excitement of the championship chase.
80 Years of Racing
The announcement coincides with the track’s 80th anniversary season, underscoring the venue’s continued significance in NASCAR’s postseason landscape and its deep roots in the region’s motorsport culture.
Fans attending this weekend’s NASCAR weekend at Richmond will see the Craftsman Truck Series Black’s Tire 250 and the Cup Series Cook Out 400, providing a preview of the intensity that will define the 2027 playoff opener.