Daytona 500 2027 at Daytona International Speedway: A Fan's Guide to Race Day

Daytona 500 date and the Speedweeks build-up

The 2027 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday 21 February, with the circuit open from Friday 19 February. It is round 1 of 36 points races, so the winner leaves Florida with an early advantage and a place in the sport's history. The date has confirmed status. The organiser has not issued timings, and we will not guess at them.

The 500 is only the end of a longer fortnight called Speedweeks. The non-points Clash at Daytona opens proceedings on Saturday 13 February, and the Duels, which set the starting grid for the main event, are listed for Thursday 18 February. Fans who can stay for several days often find this the best way to enjoy the place.

Daytona 500 track guide: banking, draft and the big pack

Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5-mile tri-oval with banking of 31 degrees in the turns. That steepness lets the cars hold their speed through the corners, and it is the reason drivers run bumper to bumper for much of the 500 miles. The draft rewards teamwork and punishes patience: leading too early can leave a driver exposed, while a well-timed push through the last laps can change the result in seconds.

How Daytona 500 racing differs from other tracks

Where a mid-sized oval like Atlanta or a road course like COTA asks for different skills, Daytona is about positioning. One twitch in the middle of a pack can wreck a dozen cars, which is why the closing laps are so tense.

The frontstretch was rebuilt in a project known as Daytona Rising, completed in January 2016. It brought wider seats, more concessions and five fan injectors that feed spectators in from the concourses. Reported grandstand capacity is around 123,500, rising to about 167,785 once the infield is counted.

Daytona 500 tickets: choosing a section and a view

Ticket listings are open now, and you can browse them via the Tickets button. Both numbered sections and general admission are offered. A higher row gives you a view of the whole oval and the pit road, while lower seats put you close to the sound and the speed. Look carefully at the section map before deciding, because the experience changes noticeably with height.

Prices move with demand, so booking early gives you more choice, and our alert will tell you if new categories appear. No price is quoted here because the live figures are shown beside each listing.

Daytona 500: getting to Daytona Beach and where to stay for the 500

The speedway lies in Daytona Beach, roughly 50 miles north-east of Orlando. Many visitors land at Orlando and drive across on the interstate, and some use the airport in Daytona itself. Race morning traffic can be heavy, so leave much earlier than you think necessary. For accommodation, Daytona Beach and its neighbouring coastal towns are the closest options, while Orlando offers more variety if you do not mind the drive.

The infield, which contains the 29-acre Lake Lloyd, has long been the heart of race-week camping and fan zones. Rules and specific areas change from year to year and were not confirmed when this page was written, so check the position when tickets are released.

Daytona 500 history and why it matters

Stock-car racing at Daytona predates the speedway: competitors once raced along the packed sand of the beach and an adjoining road. When the speedway opened in 1959, it brought that tradition into a purpose-built arena, and the 500 became the sport's showcase. A win here can define a career, which explains why a fortnight of preparation feels like a festival.

When you plan your wider NASCAR season, the NASCAR 2027 schedule shows how the other rounds follow. The same circuit stages a second race late in the summer; see Daytona Summer 400 for that story.

Daytona 500 travel tips: weather and what to pack

Late February in Florida is usually comfortable in the day, though cloud and a cool breeze are not unusual, and rain can interrupt a race. Pack sunscreen, a hat, layers for the evening, and ear defenders. A clear bag may be required at the gates, so check the rules before you leave.