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NASCAR Clash Gets New Name in 2027 Daytona Return
The non-points exhibition will open Speedweeks and begin nine days of racing activities before the 69th Daytona 500, officials said.
On Tuesday, NASCAR announced the Wheatley Vodka Clash will return to Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2027, opening Speedweeks at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.
Following three years at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and two years at Bowman Gray Stadium, the event returns after North Carolina winter weather caused postponements.
Daytona hosted the exhibition from 1979 through 2021 as the ceremonial season kickoff. Speedway President Frank Kelleher said the Clash "adds another can't-miss event" to Speedweeks.
The race is set for Saturday, February 13, one day before the NFL's Super Bowl and eight days before the 69th Daytona 500, anchoring nine days of racing activities.
Returning to Daytona aligns with NASCAR's efforts to address fan preferences for tradition, restoring the familiar calendar structure that historically launched the stock car season.