NASCAR Day – May. 21, 2027

NASCAR Day
Categories:
Tags:
Sports
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
3rd Friday of May
Holiday emoji:
🏁

NASCAR Day revs up support for children’s charities every third Friday in May. Established by the NASCAR Foundation, this annual event rallies fans, drivers, and partners to make a difference. Get involved by donating, participating in events, or spreading awareness for a worthy cause.

Want to sponsor NASCAR Day? Learn how

Expected NASCAR Day Deals

As a ‘Cause’ holiday, NASCAR Day focuses on fundraising rather than commercial deals. The primary ‘promotion’ is the annual campaign by the NASCAR Foundation to raise funds and awareness for children’s causes. Fans can often purchase special merchandise, participate in online auctions, or make direct donations through the Foundation’s website (nascarfoundation.org). Corporate partners like Coca-Cola, Ford, and Chevy frequently offer donation match programs or contribute a portion of sales from specific products to the Foundation during the month of May. Look for opportunities to donate at track events or through official NASCAR channels. We will update this page with confirmed live fundraising initiatives as May 15 approaches.

Platform Guide for NASCAR Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NASCARDay to share how you’re supporting children’s charities. Engage with official NASCAR Foundation updates.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NASCARDay. Share stories of impact and encourage friends to donate.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NASCARDay. Post visuals of past events or creative ways you’re contributing to the cause.

Social Media Tips for NASCAR Day

Individuals

Make a direct donation to the NASCAR Foundation, purchase official merchandise, or participate in virtual events to support children's health and well-being.

Creators

Create engaging content highlighting the work of the NASCAR Foundation. Share personal stories or host a livestream fundraiser to rally your audience for the cause.

Brands

Launch a co-branded campaign with the NASCAR Foundation, offer a donation match program for sales, or create limited-edition products with proceeds benefiting children's charities.

Organizations & Brands for NASCAR Day

  1. NASCAR Foundation

    Founded in 2006, the NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of children who need it most. They focus on initiatives that provide medical care, education, and resources to children across the United States.

  2. Coca-Cola

    A long-standing partner of NASCAR, The Coca-Cola Company, founded in 1886, often supports the sport's charitable endeavors. They frequently engage in promotional activities that include fundraising components for various causes.

  3. Ford Motor Company

    Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, Ford has a deep history in motorsports, including NASCAR. The company and its dealerships frequently participate in community outreach and charitable giving, aligning with events like NASCAR Day.

  4. Chevrolet

    Established in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, Chevrolet is another automotive giant with a significant presence in NASCAR. Their philanthropic efforts often extend to supporting youth programs and community initiatives.

  5. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

    Founded in 1898, Goodyear has been the exclusive tire supplier for NASCAR's top three series since 1997. Beyond their racing involvement, Goodyear supports various community programs and charitable organizations.

  6. Camping World

    Founded in 1966, Camping World is a major retailer of RVs and camping supplies and a prominent sponsor in NASCAR, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. They engage in community support, often tying into their involvement with the sport.

  7. Monster Energy

    A popular energy drink brand, Monster Energy has been a significant sponsor in motorsports, including a past title sponsorship of NASCAR's premier series. They often engage with fan communities and support various events.

NASCAR Day Hero

Bill France Sr.

William Henry Getty France Sr. (1909–1992) was the founder of NASCAR, establishing the organization in 1948. A visionary leader, he built the sport from its roots on Daytona Beach into a national phenomenon. His legacy includes not only the racing series but also the foundation for its community involvement, which eventually led to initiatives like NASCAR Day.

History of NASCAR Day

The first NASCAR Day was commemorated in 2003 by the NASCAR Foundation. An acronym for the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, the foundation aimed to raise funds for children’s welfare whilst celebrating the racers, crew, companies/sponsors, and the legions of fans all over the world. NASCAR, founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948, is an auto racing sanctioning and operating company. It is most known for its stock car racing event that takes place not only in the U.S., but also in Mexico, Europe, and Canada. Every year, NASCAR endorses more than 1,500 races at 100 tracks.

NASCAR Day takes place on the third Friday of every May. Much like baseball or derby, NASCAR is also a classic American pastime, and this is why the media covers the races extensively. Drivers and sponsors join hands with fans to bring attention and raise funds for children’s welfare. Apart from this, other common activities on NASCAR Day include a meet-and-greet with the drivers, raffles, and bumper-to-bumper races. There’s much skill involved in maneuvering a speeding car at curvy bends and within inches of another vehicle. The exhilaration is felt by the drivers and the audiences alike. The ultimate winner of the season is decided through a scoring system whereby the highest scorer wins.

NASCAR Day timeline

1905–1935
Daytona Race Records

Around 15 race records are set at Daytona Beach’s racing track after races between Ransom Olds and Alexander Winton.

1948
NASCAR Established

Bill France Sr., an American businessman, establishes NASCAR as a private U.S.-based company.

Mid-2000s
NASCAR Safety Modifications

After several injuries and driver deaths, NASCAR modifies cars, by providing wider car ceilings and cockpits, to improve safety measures.

2011
The Buschwhacker Controversy

After the NASCAR rules change, drivers are made to choose and compete in only one of the three touring championships.

How Businesses Can Celebrate NASCAR Day

Local businesses can honor NASCAR Day by hosting small fundraising events or promoting donation matching programs. Restaurants could feature a special ‘Victory Lap’ menu item with a portion of proceeds going to the NASCAR Foundation. Auto repair shops or dealerships might offer a discount on services when customers make a donation to a children’s charity. Even small retailers could create a themed display and collect donations at the register, leveraging the widespread appeal of NASCAR to support a good cause.

NASCAR Day FAQs

When is NASCAR Day?

In 2027, NASCAR Day will be observed on Friday, May 21, continuing its tradition of rallying the racing community for a worthy cause. Mark your calendars to participate in this impactful day.

How many people watch NASCAR races?

NASCAR boasts a dedicated fanbase, with millions of viewers across the United States and globally enjoying its races. The sport’s broad appeal ensures a significant reach for the NASCAR Foundation’s fundraising campaigns each year.

What is the economic impact of NASCAR?

The sport of NASCAR is a significant economic driver, creating thousands of jobs and generating billions in revenue across various sectors. This robust financial ecosystem allows the NASCAR Foundation to amplify its philanthropic reach for children’s causes.

What is the NASCAR Foundation?

Dedicated to making a positive difference, the NASCAR Foundation is the official charity of NASCAR. It focuses on initiatives that provide medical treatment, educational opportunities, and a safe environment for children, supported by the entire racing industry.

How To Celebrate NASCAR Day

  1. Go to a NASCAR event

    Get your hands on tickets to a NASCAR event to fully immerse yourself into the experience. Read up on all the necessary information about the event to see what activities you can take part in.

  2. Watch the races with loved ones

    Make a day out of it by watching the races with your friends and family. Make snacks, place harmless bets, and enjoy the day full of excitement with everyone.

  3. Donate to the funds

    Donate to the funds that NASCAR supports. If you cannot donate, spread awareness about NASCAR’s welfare work, either on your social media accounts or by talking to people about it.

5 Facts About Race Cars That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. F1’s extreme engine heat

    An F1 race car generates extremely high engine heat, up to 1,832℉, which is more than enough to melt aluminum.

  2. Race cars driving upside down

    A race car has the ability to drive upside down after it reaches a certain speed.

  3. Your car made from a race car

    It is highly likely that many parts of your car might have been made from recycled race car parts.

  4. Extremely heavy fuel consumption

    A race car can consume about 65–80 gallons of fuel to reach incredibly high speeds, up to 300 mph in three seconds.

  5. Ordinary cars in car racing

    Earlier times saw ordinary cars competing in car racing but, before long, special cars were being designed for racing, like the Bugatti Type 35.

Why We Love NASCAR Day

  1. It’s a celebration of excitement

    There’s much to be said about the feeling of excitement that grips you while watching time-sensitive races. From the adrenaline rush at the starting line to the patience in between the laps to the nerve-wracking exhilaration at the end of the race, NASCAR events call for a combination of thrilling anticipation and calming patience. Now, where else would you get the best of both these worlds?

  2. It’s a celebration of togetherness

    NASCAR brings together a great number of people from different backgrounds. What’s wonderful is the shared sense of community that binds the audience together, no matter who is supporting whom.

  3. It’s a celebration of welfare

    It is always important to remember the less fortunate. This is the reason why the popularity of NASCAR helped shed light on important causes and charities.

NASCAR Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 May 15 Friday
2027 May 21 Friday
2028 May 19 Friday
2029 May 18 Friday
2030 May 17 Friday