In a significant shift for NASCAR fans, it has been officially announced that the 2027 Daytona 500 will no longer take place over President’s Day weekend. The prestigious race, which marks the beginning of the NASCAR season, is now scheduled for February 21, 2027, as confirmed by the Daytona International Speedway this week.
Frank Kelleher, the president of Daytona International Speedway, emphasized the need for fans to plan ahead for one of motorsport’s biggest events. “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,” Kelleher noted. The decision to move the race aims to accommodate fans and enhance their experience at the iconic venue.
However, the change has sparked frustration among the NASCAR community, with many expressing their displeasure on social media. Fans have voiced concerns that moving the race date compromises its traditional association with a long-standing weekend that has become synonymous with stock car racing.
One fan remarked, “Moving off the normal weekend sucks but it’d be the perfect opportunity for NASCAR to announce a bigger Speedweeks buildup to get fans more back on board.” Others criticized the scheduling conflict with the NFL, suggesting that NASCAR’s place should not be overshadowed by football.
As the Daytona 500 continues to evolve, the 2026 edition of the race will still occur on February 15, maintaining a connection to the previous year’s schedule amid the changes. Though the shift may not sit well with everyone, it presents an opportunity for NASCAR to innovate and engage fans in new ways leading up to the race.