The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season will officially begin one week later than normal as the Daytona 500 moves to a later date, keeping it from clashing with the NFL's championship game.
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According to a press release from Daytona International Speedway, the 69th Running of the Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2027. This shifts it away from Presidents' Day weekend. The event will still remain the first points-paying race of the season.
This move is significant as it will have ripple effects that last the entire 2027 season. Will it affect the number of off-weeks or when the season finale takes place? NASCAR has not provided the answer, but this outcome is likely.
Catch the tradition. 02.21.27.#DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/9nUlY2CYQT
— Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) October 22, 2025
However, it is a move that NASCAR needed to move. The Daytona 500 is the highest-rated event of the season, and it also takes place in front of packed grandstands. This is the event that numerous celebrities attend while getting the full NASCAR experience.
The problem for NASCAR is that the NFL has already set the date for Super Bowl 61, which determines the season's champion. This game, the biggest sporting event of the year in the United States, takes place on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2027. The AFC champion and the NFC champion will meet at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
"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."
The 2026 NASCAR season schedule will remain unaffected. The NFL will hold its championship game on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. The season-opening Daytona 500 will then take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
