The 2027 ARCA Menards Series schedule dropped Tuesday, and the changes hit hard. Pocono Raceway, a staple since 1985, is gone again after a brief return in 2026. In its place comes WWT Raceway, better known as Gateway, which returns to the fold. The series keeps its 20-race length, but the lineup shift signals a clear direction for the future.
Brennan Poole is also making moves. Monday saw the team confirm he will not come back to Alpha Prime Racing for the 2027 season. This ends a three-year run where Poole became the team’s statistical leader. He tallied 95 starts, three top-five finishes, and 11 top-10s. The driver declined a contract extension for next year, leaving a hole in the garage.
Why Gateway Beats Pocono
Gateway brings a different energy to the track, one that fits the modern fan better. The 2027 schedule lists 10 races on tracks 1.25 miles or shorter, plus three on intermediates. Pocono’s odd angles often led to caution flags that killed momentum. Gateway offers a more straightforward challenge that lets drivers show their skill without constant red flags.
The schedule now features two dirt races and two road course races, mixing up the action. Watkins Glen returns to the fall slot, aligning with NASCAR’s national series. This move makes sense for families who want to see the best drivers on the same weekend. Gateway hosts its race in August during that same weekend, keeping the momentum high.
The 2027 season starts Saturday, February 20, at Daytona International Speedway. The series then heads to Phoenix Raceway on Friday, March 12. Fans in Illinois get two shots, with Springfield on August 8 and DuQuoin on September 5. The schedule keeps the action close to home for many fans, a smart move for a regional series.
Television schedules for 2027 have not been released yet. The ARCA Menards Series East and West schedules are also still pending.