Copyright RACER
NASCAR will open its 2027 season a week later than it has recently, as the Daytona 500 will be held on Feb. 21, 2027. “We have fans from all 50 states and dozens of countries who look forward to kicking off the NASCAR season with us at 'The World Center of Racing,' and we know many of them make their travel and lodging plans well in advance for the trip,” said Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway. “As the 2027 date shifts to Feb. 21, we wanted to give our amazing and loyal fans plenty of opportunity to prepare to be in Daytona Beach for the excitement 'The Great American Race' provides each year.” A crown jewel event, the Daytona 500 is the biggest race of the NASCAR season and has traditionally been scheduled for Presidents' Day weekend. However, NASCAR has been keen to avoid any conflicts with the NFL and its biggest game, the Super Bowl. By moving the 69th running of the Daytona 500 to a week later in 2027, it will do just that, as the NFL has previously announced the Super Bowl that year, to be held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, will be played on Feb. 14. NASCAR will hold the 2026 race in Daytona on Feb. 15. William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports are the two-time defending winners of the Daytona 500. The last 10 races have been sold out.
