NASCAR’s 2027 Cup Series schedule is gradually taking shape, with Bristol Motor Speedway becoming the latest track to confirm its race dates. The iconic Bass Pro Shops Night Race returns to its traditional August slot after spending the past five seasons in September to avoid clashing with a major college football weekend.
Bristol announced that its signature night race will be held during the August 12-14, 2027 weekend, restoring the event to the month it occupied for 44 consecutive years before its move to September. This year’s race is scheduled on September 19, which clashes with the Tennessee Volunteers’ college football game.
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NASCAR and Bristol have now shifted the event back to its traditional calendar position, but fan reaction on social media was divided. While some fans welcomed the decision, others argued NASCAR had solved one problem only to create another. A section of supporters believed September provided better conditions for spectators.
“Bob, this isn’t going to work… it’s going to be very hot again for the night race. During the day when you’re drinking a case of beer it’ll be 100°+ outside. September was the perfect outside temperature when you’re waking up to a hangover,” one fan wrote.
“Hate to go back to August, September was very comfy,” another fan added.
A third echoed similar concerns:
“Man I was really enjoying those cooler Night races. Bristol is a beast of a track to get to lol rough in August.”
One X user pointed out that the August date creates another scheduling conflict:
“Right through the Knoxville Nationals again 🫠”
However, plenty of fans supported the return to August, believing avoiding a major college football weekend was the correct decision.
“Asking local fans to miss a Tennessee/Virginia Tech football game wasn’t the right strategy. Good move,” wrote one fan.
“August night race is where it belongs. Well done,” wrote yet another.
One fan even hoped the date change would help bring football fans to the track:
“So glad it’s back to August next year. Maybe I can get my @Vol_Football tailgating friend @TN_Dash_ to join me.”
Another section of fans felt there should only be one Cup race at Bristol.
“Still say the spring race should go to Wilkesboro and make that summer race the biggest event ever,” one user commented.
“Call me crazy, but the one track in this sport that could absolutely use to lose a date is Bristol,” added another.
The announcement also confirmed Bristol Motor Speedway‘s complete 2027 race weekends. The spring event will take place April 9-11, while the Bass Pro Shops Night Race weekend is scheduled for August 12-14. Both weekends will feature the NASCAR Cup Series, Truck Series, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with the August race no longer a part of the Chase.
NASCAR continues locking in its 2027 Cup Series schedule with New Hampshire date confirmed
With Bristol’s dates now confirmed, NASCAR continues to finalize the 2027 calendar. Earlier this month, Daytona International Speedway announced that The Clash will return to Speedweeks on February 13, before the Daytona 500 follows on February 21. Daytona also confirmed its regular-season finale weekend, while Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas, Phoenix, and Texas have all announced their respective race dates.
New Hampshire Motor Speedway has also now finalized its place on the calendar. The Cup Series will race there on September 26, making it the third race of the Chase, while the Craftsman Truck Series will also return to the Loudon weekend.
As it currently stands, confirmed Cup dates include Daytona (Feb. 21), Atlanta (Feb. 28), Circuit of the Americas (Mar. 7), Phoenix (Mar. 14), Bristol (Apr. 11), Texas (May 2), Atlanta II (July 18), Bristol II (Aug. 14), Daytona II (Aug. 28), New Hampshire (Sept. 26) and Phoenix (Oct. 24).
The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte is still expected to remain on Memorial Day weekend (May 30), while Darlington’s traditional Labor Day weekend (Sep 6) Chase opener is also widely expected to stay in place once NASCAR completes the remaining schedule announcements.
Edited by Anurup Chakraborty
