Clash at Daytona 2027: The Non-Points Season Opener Explained for Visitors

What the Clash at Daytona is and where it sits in the calendar

The Clash at Daytona is an exhibition. It pays no championship points, which is exactly why drivers treat it as a free hit: bumpers touch early and the field tends to arrive at the chequered flag in a bunch. The event has its roots in the late 1970s, when it began life under the name Busch Clash, and it has kept its identity as the opening act of Speedweeks ever since.

For 2027 the date is confirmed as Saturday 13 February, with the track active from Thursday 11 February. A week later comes the Daytona 500, so the Clash is the first chance to see the new season's cars in anger. Official session times are not yet public; the organiser normally releases them close to the date.

Clash at Daytona: Daytona Beach racing: what the speedway produces

Daytona is a 2.5-mile superspeedway, and cars here run nose to tail in the draft rather than spreading out. Because the Clash is shorter than a points race, there is little time to settle and every lap feels like the final ten of something bigger.

Expect tight packs, quick lead changes and little margin for error.

The grandstands wrap the full length of the frontstretch, so even upper rows give a clear sense of the whole pack moving as one.

Seats for the Clash at Daytona

Seats are on sale at the moment through the Tickets button, which shows listings from our partner sellers. The categories include numbered sections in the 300s and a general admission option, so you can choose between a fixed seat and a roam-around day.

Fans combining Clash weekend with the 500 should read the Daytona 500 guide, and those continuing north can look at NASCAR Atlanta February.

Planning a Clash at Daytona trip: weather and logistics

February in Florida is usually dry and mild, with evenings that can feel fresh once the sun drops. Bring a light layer, sun protection and ear defenders. For the full season picture, open the NASCAR 2027 schedule.