Daytona 500 Plans February 21 Date Shift To Avoid Super Bowl Clash

The Daytona 500, NASCAR's premier race, will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2027, shifting one week later than its traditional Presidents' Day weekend date to avoid conflicting with the NFL's Super Bowl scheduled for February 14, 2027. This change, announced well in advance by Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher, allows fans ample time to plan travel and accommodations for the event, which attracts attendees from across the U.S. and worldwide. The move marks a strategic decision to ensure the Daytona 500 remains a standalone event in a crowded February sports calendar, preserving its status as the highest-rated race of the NASCAR season. While the 2026 Daytona 500 will continue to be held on February 15, 2026, the 2027 adjustment could have broader implications for the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, though details have not yet been disclosed. William Byron, the current two-time defending Daytona 500 champion, will be seeking a historic third consecutive win in 2026. Historically, the Daytona 500 has shifted dates before to accommodate scheduling conflicts but has mostly been held on Presidents' Day weekend since 2018.