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With Kyle Larson crowned, the next NASCAR race is the Clash at Daytona on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027. The Clash pays no points, so the real season starts with the 69th Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 21. The Duel qualifying races are set for Thursday, Feb. 18.
Here’s a look at how 2026 ended and what changes in 2027.
How 2026 Ended
Larson clinched his third Cup title by finishing fourth in Stage 1 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He went winless through the 26-race regular season, then won three Chase races, including Talladega.
Larson, who also won titles in 2021 and 2025, is the first repeat champion since Jimmie Johnson won five straight through 2010. It was the 16th Cup championship for Hendrick Motorsports.
The 2026 season also brought a new format, with the Chase returning as a 16-driver, 10-race stretch with no eliminations, and the finale back at Homestead for the first time since 2019. NASCAR also raced at Naval Base Coronado in June, North Wilkesboro hosted its first points race since 1996, and Dover went a full season without a points race for the first time since 1968.
2027 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule Changes
The 2027 schedule keeps the same structure: 26 regular-season races, a 10-race Chase and the championship race at Homestead-Miami on Nov. 14. The changes are in where some races fall. See the full 2027 NASCAR Cup Series schedule.
A New Start to the Chase
Darlington, Gateway and Bristol opened the 2026 Chase. In 2027, the Chase opens at:
- Richmond Raceway, Sept. 11
- Watkins Glen International, Sept. 19
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sept. 26
The final seven Chase races carry over from 2026.
Darlington, Gateway and Bristol Move to the Regular Season
Darlington returns to Labor Day weekend on Sept. 5 as the regular-season finale. Gateway also moves into the regular season, and the Bristol night race on Aug. 14 becomes the 23rd of 26 regular-season races.
Other Changes
- The Clash leaves Bowman Gray Stadium, where it ran in 2025 and 2026, and returns to Daytona. The Craftsman Truck Series will make its Bowman Gray debut in August.
- The All-Star Race moves to North Wilkesboro on May 23.
- Dover returns to the points schedule on May 16.
- NASCAR goes back to Naval Base Coronado on Aug. 1, with plans to take the military base race to a different installation in 2028.
NASCAR vice president Julie Giese said the Clash’s move “should be a really great way to kick off Speedweeks.”
Homestead Gets a Facelift
Homestead-Miami will undergo a renovation of about $20 million before next year’s championship weekend. NASCAR chief operating officer Ben Kennedy said the track “is going to feel like a new facility.”
NASCAR has not yet announced the format or eligibility rules for the Clash. Larson will bring the No. 5 Hendrick Chevrolet to Daytona as the reigning champion.
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