NASCAR’s 2027 schedule continues to take shape, and two more tracks have officially confirmed when the Cup Series will visit next season.
On Thursday, Richmond Raceway and World Wide Technology Raceway announced their 2027 NASCAR weekends. While both venues return to familiar spots on the calendar, each race will carry significant championship implications as drivers battle for postseason positioning.
Richmond will once again serve as the opening weekend of NASCAR’s Chase, while World Wide Technology Raceway will launch the final three-race stretch of the regular season before the playoff field is set.
Richmond will open NASCAR’s Chase in 2027
Richmond Raceway confirmed that the NASCAR Cup Series will begin its 2027 Chase on Saturday, Sept. 11, with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opening its own postseason the night before on Friday, Sept. 10.
The weekend places one of NASCAR’s most historic short tracks at the center of the championship picture from the very first playoff race.
Richmond Raceway President Lori Waran emphasized what the date means for the Virginia facility.
“Richmond Raceway has always been a place where the stakes are high and the racing is unforgettable. This just makes it even better, elevating the stakes for competitors and the experience for our fans. It’s an incredible opportunity, and we will do everything in our power to make next September a weekend to remember.”
The announcement continues NASCAR’s recent trend of placing major playoff races at tracks known for producing strategy-driven racing and dramatic finishes.
World Wide Technology Raceway keeps its late-season position
World Wide Technology Raceway also confirmed its 2027 return, with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series racing on Saturday, Aug. 21, before the Cup Series’ Enjoy Illinois 300 takes place on Sunday, Aug. 22.
The weekend will once again mark the first of the final three races in the regular season, giving drivers one of their last opportunities to lock themselves into the 16-driver Chase field or improve their playoff seeding.
Track owner and CEO Curtis Francois said the new calendar position raises the stakes even further.
“World Wide Technology Raceway will take on an exciting new position on the NASCAR schedule, launching the three-race run that will set the Cup Series Chase field. With only three opportunities remaining to secure a Chase berth or improve seeding, the Enjoy Illinois 300 will bring urgency, pressure and intense racing from the opening lap.”
The Cup Series will then head to Daytona International Speedway before closing the regular season at Darlington Raceway, setting the playoff field before Richmond opens NASCAR’s Chase.