NASCAR All-Star Race Format Revamp: What to Expect at Dover in 2026
NASCAR has unveiled a significantly revised format for the 2026 All-Star Race, set to take place at the Dover Motor Speedway in May. The changes, announced on February 25, 2026, aim to inject more unpredictability and excitement into the exhibition event. A key difference this year is the elimination of the Open qualifying race.
Qualifying for the Main Event
The process for establishing the starting grid remains consistent with the previous year. Drivers will compete in a three-round qualifying session, including a pit stop for four tires. The combined time from all three rounds will determine the starting order for the first segment of the All-Star Race.
Pit Crew Challenge Trophies Awarded
The Pit Crew Challenge trophy will be awarded to the team demonstrating the fastest pit stop time. Timing begins as the car crosses a designated line before its pit stall and ends when it crosses the line after exiting the stall. Precision in approach and departure will be critical for success.
Segmented Race Structure
The 2026 All-Star Race will consist of two initial segments of 75 laps each, followed by a final segment of 200 laps. Following the first segment, the top 26 drivers will have their positions reversed for the start of the second segment – the first-place driver will start in 26th, the second in 25th, and so on.
Emphasis on Green Flag Racing
Only laps completed under green flag conditions will be counted during the race. NASCAR plans to deploy a caution flag around lap 225 of the final segment.
Final Segment Lineup and Prize Money
Only 26 drivers will qualify for the final segment. Automatic qualifiers include the 2025 and 2026 race winners, the driver who receives the most fan votes, past All-Star champions still competing full-time in 2026, and additional drivers based on their combined results from the first two segments. The starting grid for the final segment will be determined by the cumulative finishing positions from the first two segments, with the driver having the lowest cumulative score starting in the pole position. The winner of the All-Star Race will receive a prize of $1 million.
Confirmed All-Star Race Participants
As of February 25, 2026, the following drivers have already qualified for the final segment of the All-Star Race: William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney, Josh Berry, Austin Dillon, Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, Shane Van Gisbergen, Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Busch.
Race Weekend Schedule
Qualifying for the All-Star Race will take place on Saturday, May 16, alongside a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. The All-Star Race itself will be held on Sunday, May 17, concluding a three-day event at the Monster Mile, which will also include a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race on Friday, May 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is new about the 2026 All-Star Race format? The Open qualifying race has been eliminated, and the race structure now consists of two 75-lap segments followed by a 200-lap final segment with a reversed field for the second segment.
- How do drivers qualify for the All-Star Race? Drivers qualify through a combination of winning races, fan votes, past championships, and performance in the initial segments.
- What is the prize money for winning the All-Star Race? The winner of the All-Star Race will receive $1 million.
- Where will the 2026 All-Star Race be held? The race will be held at the Dover Motor Speedway.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on the qualifying results, as they will heavily influence the starting grid for both the segments and the final race.
