Dover, Delaware – The iconic "Monster Mile" at Dover Motor Speedway is set to host a landmark event in the 2026 NASCAR calendar: the NASCAR All-Star Race. This year marks a significant shift as the prestigious exhibition event makes its debut at the Delaware track, a venue steeped in NASCAR history. For the first time since 1968, Dover will not feature a points-paying Cup Series race on its traditional schedule, instead dedicating its famed concrete oval to this star-studded, non-points spectacle.
The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race promises a fresh dynamic with a revamped format, aiming to deliver intense competition and unpredictable outcomes. Last year’s victor, Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing, claimed the coveted prize at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Looking to add to his legacy, Bell will be among the elite field vying for supremacy at Dover. The track itself holds a unique place in NASCAR lore, with Denny Hamlin being the most recent winner of a Cup Series event at Dover, a testament to his mastery of the challenging 1-mile layout.
The weekend’s action will commence on Friday, May 15th, with practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Fans can catch the Truck Series practice at 12:30 PM EST and qualifying at 1:40 PM EST, both streamed on FOX ONE. The Cup Series will have a pit road qualifying practice at 3:00 PM EST on FOX Sports 1. The day will culminate with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, a 200-lap event, broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 1 at 5:00 PM EST.
Saturday, May 16th, will see the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series take center stage. Practice is scheduled for 9:30 AM EST, followed by qualifying at 10:35 AM EST, both available on the CW APP. The Cup Series will engage in qualifying and a pit crew challenge at 12:00 PM EST on FOX SPORTS 1, offering a glimpse into the precision and speed of the sport’s pit crews. The main event of the day will be the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, a 200-lap contest, airing on THE CW at 4:00 PM EST.
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Sunday, May 17th, is dedicated to the main attraction: the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race. The festivities will begin with the NASCAR RaceDay pre-race show on FOX SPORTS 1 at 12:00 PM EST, setting the stage for the highly anticipated showdown. The green flag will drop for the NASCAR Cup Dover All-Star Race, a 350-lap event, at 1:00 PM EST, exclusively on FOX SPORTS 1.
This year’s All-Star Race features a field of 36 entries, with a notable change in qualification procedures. Without a traditional "Open" race to determine final berths, all 36 entries are guaranteed a starting position in the main event. Nineteen drivers have already secured their place in the final, decisive segment of the race, denoted in bold below. The remaining competitors will be evaluated based on their performance in the first two segments, with the six drivers accumulating the best average finishes earning the opportunity to continue racing. A coveted 26th starting spot will be determined by the popular vote from the fans, adding an element of fan engagement to the proceedings. The remaining ten drivers will be eliminated from the main event, underscoring the competitive nature of this exhibition race.
The entry list for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race is a testament to the sport’s brightest stars. While the full list of locked-in drivers is extensive, notable competitors include:
Drivers Locked into Segment 3:
- Kyle Larson
- Chase Elliott
- William Byron
- Alex Bowman
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Denny Hamlin
- Christopher Bell
- Ty Gibbs
- Ryan Blaney
- Joey Logano
- Brad Keselowski
- Chris Buescher
- Michael McDowell
- Tyler Reddick
- Bubba Wallace
- Ross Chastain
- Kyle Busch
- Kevin Harvick
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
The remaining drivers will be competing for spots based on their performance in the initial segments. This revised format aims to create more strategic racing and closer finishes, with drivers needing to perform consistently throughout the event.
Beyond the Cup Series excitement, several prominent drivers will be participating in the support series races. Ross Chastain, known for his aggressive driving style and versatility, is set to compete in all three divisions, showcasing his commitment and talent across the NASCAR spectrum. Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, and Carson Hocevar will also be testing their mettle in the Truck Series race, adding significant star power to the support event. In a surprise return, Clint Bowyer, a fan favorite and former Cup Series winner, will be behind the wheel of the No. 25 Kaulig Racing truck, making his return to competition with Ram. This multi-series participation highlights the diverse talent pool within NASCAR and the competitive spirit that permeates all levels of the sport.
The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway represents a significant moment for the sport, blending tradition with innovation. The "Monster Mile," with its reputation for demanding races and thrilling finishes, is poised to provide a fitting backdrop for this unique exhibition event. The revamped format and the presence of NASCAR’s top drivers ensure that race fans are in for a weekend of high-octane action and unforgettable moments. The strategic nuances of the new format, coupled with the inherent challenges of the Dover track, are expected to produce a compelling narrative as drivers battle for bragging rights and a substantial portion of the prize money. The absence of a points-paying Cup Series race at Dover this year underscores the special nature of the All-Star weekend, elevating its significance in the eyes of both competitors and fans alike.
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