The Clash makes its comeback
After a six‑year hiatus, NASCAR’s signature exhibition event, The Clash, is set to return to Daytona International Speedway in 2027, reclaiming its place as the official kickoff of Speedweeks. The race will be staged under a new name — the Wheatley Vodka Clash — following a multi‑year entitlement deal with Wheatley American Vodka.
The agreement not only restores the event’s historic venue but also designates Wheatley as the Official Vodka of NASCAR and as the race’s entitlement partner. This partnership underscores the brand’s growing prominence within the sport and adds a high‑profile beverage sponsor to the Daytona weekend.
The 2027 Speedweeks schedule opens on February 13 with the Wheatley Vodka Clash, building toward the 69th running of the Daytona 500 on February 21. In addition to the premier Cup Series event, the weekend will feature season‑opening races for the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series, cementing Daytona’s role as the sport’s annual launchpad.
Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher emphasized the significance of the rebranded event, describing it as an "additional must‑attend experience" during Speedweeks. His comments reflect the track’s ambition to expand its programming while preserving the tradition that has made The Clash a beloved fixture for fans and drivers alike.
First held at Daytona in 1979 and running through 2021, The Clash served as NASCAR’s unofficial season opener before moving to other venues. Its return to the 2.5‑mile superspeedway restores a narrative thread that has linked the sport’s most prestigious race to the opening weekend for nearly five decades.