The Daytona 500, one of the largest and most popular races in the world of NASCAR, is receiving a different date. Daytona International Speedway points out that the 69th event will now be held on February 21, 2027.
Catch the tradition. 02.21.27.#DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/9nUlY2CYQT
— Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) October 22, 2025
It was done so as not to conflict with Super Bowl LXI, to be held on 14 February 2027, at SoFi Stadium, California. The NASCAR Cup Series will have the Daytona 500, which will still be the opening of the series, even with the change.
The reason they announced it early is that fans all over the area could make their plans in advance to come and view the fast cars and screeching engines in Daytona Beach, according to Speedway president Frank Kelleher.
Daytona International Speedway Gives Fans More Time to Plan
The Daytona 500 is known as “The Great American Race”, and every year, people from all 50 states and many countries travel to Florida to see it live. With the 2027 date now set, fans have plenty of time to plan hotels, tickets, and travel.
“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.” Frank Kelleher said.“We know many of them make their travel and lodging plans well in advance for the trip. He added”
As reported by Zach Evans of Racing America, “the 2026 Daytona 500 will run on February 15, marking its return to Presidents’ Day weekend. That race will see William Byron chase a third straight win, something no driver has ever done before. Speedweeks will kick off on February 11, with the Truck, ARCA, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races leading up to the 68th Daytona 500.”
Daytona announces Daytona 500 in 2027 will be Feb 21, weekend after President’s Day. That will avoid conflict with Super Bowl.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 22, 2025
Why NASCAR Moved the 2027 Race Date
The Super Bowl and the Daytona 500 are two of the biggest sports events in the U.S., and in 2027, they were scheduled too close together. That made things tricky for fans who wanted to enjoy both events and for networks that broadcast them.
To fix this, NASCAR decided to move the Daytona 500 to February 21, 2027.
“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 Kelleher explained.”
The change makes it easier for everyone, fans, media, and the city of Daytona Beach, to fully enjoy race week without the rush.
The Racing Tradition Lives On
Even with a small schedule change, the Daytona 500 will still be the first race of the NASCAR Cup Series season. It’s the perfect way to start a year of racing, full of fast speeds, close finishes, and wild celebrations.
Daytona International Speedway, also called “The World Center of Racing,” has hosted this legendary event since 1959. For decades, it’s been a place where dreams are made and champions are crowned.
So, while 2026 will bring a historic moment with Byron chasing a record and 2027 will bring a new date, one thing stays the same: Daytona will always be the heart of NASCAR racing.
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