NASCAR
Everything You Need to Know for Dover All-Star Race
For the 24th straight season, NASCAR’s ultimate exhibition is getting ready to reward a $1 million prize, with a few twists. The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race will call Dover Motor Speedway home. This is the fifth track to hold the star-studded event in eight years. Here’s a rundown of who will be running for the big check at The Monster Mile, how the elite field of 26 will be set, and how to watch it all.
Meet The Drivers
As of Watkins Glen last week, 19 drivers have locked their way into the All-Star Race. This list includes: those who have won a Cup Series points race in 2025-2026, former Cup champions who race full-time, and past All-Star Race winners.
This list includes:
- Christopher Bell
- Josh Berry
- Ryan Blaney
- Chase Briscoe
- Kyle Busch
- William Byron
- Ross Chastain
- Austin Cindric
- Austin Dillon
- Chase Elliott
- Ty Gibbs
- Denny Hamlin
- Carson Hocevar
- Brad Keselowski
- Kyle Larson
- Joey Logano
- Tyler Reddick
- Shane van Gisbergen
- Bubba Wallace
Qualifying and Pit Crew Challenge
Usual NASCAR qualifying will return to the 2026 All-Star Race with a few extra steps. On Saturday, May 16, drivers will each take the green flag, run one full lap at speed, and on the second lap come to a designated pit stall for a four-tire stop (no fuel allowed). After the pit stop, cars will exit pit road and race back to the checkered flag. Qualifying time will be the total time from green flag to checkered flag. The fastest overall team will earn the pole position for the race.
The pit crew with the fastest stop during All-Star qualifying, without penalties, will also win the Pit Crew Challenge. Timing lines are set behind and ahead of the pit box. Pit Crew Challenge results will determine pit selection order.
Race Format
Seven other drivers will join this elite club for the final 200-lap All-Star Race segment. There will be two preceding segments of 75 laps apiece featuring all drivers. In total, the 2026 All-Star Race will feature a distance of 350 laps.
Qualifying will set the 36-man staring lineup for Segment 1. Segment 2, meanwhile, will see a top-26 invert. The rest of the field will start this middle stage based on their Segment 1 finish.
The lowest six average finishes from both segments will transfer onto Segment 3. The 26th and final berth will be reserved for the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote winner. The final 200 laps will be a heads-up race with a competition break around lap 225.
How to Watch the All-Star Race
The NASCAR All-Star Race airs live Sunday, May 17 on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET.
Dover Motor Speedway also has on hand one of NASCAR’s most expansive, interactive, and family-friendly Fan Zones. This will include Miles Beach presented by Visit Delaware, featuring live sea lion, shark and stingray displays, 600 tons of sand, a lighthouse and a boardwalk. The world’s largest rubber duck, multiple live music groups, All-Star Village, lumberjacks, ax throwing, and a maze will all be in the Dover Fan Zone as well.
The All-Star Race caps off a tripleheader NASCAR weekend at The Monster Mile. Craftsman Truck Series competitors begin the action with the EcoSave 200 on Friday, May 15. Saturday will also see O’Reilly Series cars run the BetRivers 200.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo credit to Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
