It had been widely speculated that NASCAR would move the annual season-opening exhibition event, The Clash, back to Daytona International Speedway, which hosted the event from 1980 to 2021, in 2027. On Tuesday, NASCAR ended the speculation by officially announcing the return of the race to the 2.5-mile superspeedway, ending a six-year absence of The Clash from the high banks of Daytona.
As part of the announcement, The Clash will have a new entitlement partner, as the race will be known as the Wheatley Vodka Clash at Daytona. The 2027 edition of The Clash will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2027.
Wheatley American Vodka, in addition to the entitlement sponsorship of The Clash, has reached a multi-year partnership with NASCAR, which will see the Frankfort, KY, brand become the Official Vodka of NASCAR.
The key for NASCAR in aligning with Wheatley American Vodka was a shared set of values.
“The strongest partnerships are built on authentic connections, and like many of the partnerships we’ve forged in recent months, Wheatley American Vodka shares the values that have defined NASCAR for generations—from a commitment to craftsmanship and American tradition to creating memorable experiences for our fans,” said Jake Krantz, Senior Director of National Sales, NASCAR. “From race weekends to the Wheatley Vodka Clash, this partnership gives us new opportunities to elevate the fan experience while introducing one of America’s premier vodka brands to one of the most passionate fan communities in sports.”
According to a press release from NASCAR, Wheatley Vodka will hold vodka category rights for marketing and promotion within the NASCAR space and will include year-round integration across NASCAR’s platforms and marquee events. The brand will also be featured in a custom 30-second promotional spot and elevated fan experiences through on-site activations at The Clash.
Wheatley American Vodka, which will enter the NASCAR space for the first time through this newly announced partnership, explains it is proud to team up with NASCAR.
“Wheatley American Vodka was built with a focus on quality, hard work, and bringing people together, making NASCAR a natural fit for our brand,” said David Binder, Senior Brand Director, Wheatley American Vodka. “Whether fans are celebrating at the track, gathering with friends to watch the race, attending The Clash, or raising a glass after a memorable weekend, we’re proud to become part of those moments and to begin this partnership with one of America’s most iconic sports.”
NASCAR says Wheatley American Vodka will also team with the sporting league to create a program to give back to service members and military veterans. Details around that specific program will be announced at a later date.
