NASCAR is actively looking for newer locations for its non-point-paying races in the calendar. Much like the Colosseum and Bowman Gray Stadium in the past, the governing body has indicated possible newer tracks to fit into the 2027 calendar.

NASCAR's newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Ben Kennedy, shared an update on it at Talladega. Speaking to FOX Sports, he said, "Yeah, so we're working on the 2027 schedule. Julie Giese, who's been our president of Chicago street course, she's now leading all of our scheduling efforts. And being with her this morning, we're working on a number of things as it relates to the 2027 schedule."

Specifically addressing locations for The Clash, Kennedy added, "And we feel like the Clash, longer term, is an opportunity for us to go into new markets, test different things like we've done with the Coliseum in the past. Still working on where that's going to land for 2027."

NASCAR hosted the Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium this year and will host the All-Star Cup Series race at Dover. Although these races do not provide any points, they draw good viewership (2.349 million viewers for the 2026 Bowman Gray clash) and newer fans.

While NASCAR has yet to reveal the tracks they are looking to enter in 2027, with Montreal and the Nashville Fairgrounds being in contention, it has recently gone through a major leadership change.

Major changes in NASCAR setup as Jim France steps down as CEO

Ahead of the Talladega Superspeedway race weekend, NASCAR underwent significant changes in its hierarchy. Jim France, who has been the CEO of NASCAR since 2018, stepped down from his role and was replaced by Steve O'Donnell.

"It is an honor to step into the role of CEO working alongside Ben and our leadership team at such an important time for our sport," O'Donnell said in a statement. "I have devoted nearly my entire career to NASCAR, this garage and our fans, guided by the France family's commitment to deliver the best racing in the world."

Along with O'Donnell's promotion, Ben Kennedy, the great-nephew of Jim France, took over the charge as the Chief Operating Officer. This managerial reshuffle comes nearly four months after Steve Phelps resigned from his post as NASCAR commissioner on January 6. His move came in the aftermath of his controversial texts with one of NASCAR's employees being revealed during the 23XI court case.

You can read more NASCAR news on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Sabyasachi Biswas

Edited by

Yask Kotak