NASCAR Shifts 2027 Daytona 500 to February 21 to Avoid Super Bowl Clash

The 2027 Daytona 500 will move from its traditional Presidents' Day Weekend date to Sunday, February 21, to avoid conflicting with Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14. This change, announced by Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher, aims to give fans ample time to adjust their plans for the race, which is NASCAR's premier event known as "The Great American Race." NASCAR has faced potential scheduling conflicts with the NFL before, having moved the Daytona 500 in 2012 due to possible NFL season expansions. The 2026 Daytona 500 will remain on February 15, with defending champion William Byron set to compete. This shift reflects the increasing influence of the NFL's expanding schedule, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledging that changes to the calendar could impact NASCAR’s long-term scheduling. NASCAR’s decision underscores the prominence of both events and the desire to maximize fan engagement without direct competition on the same day.