Dover’s Modern NASCAR All-Star Format: A Blend of Tradition and Thrills
Dover Motor Speedway is set to host the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time, and with it comes a revamped format designed to maximize excitement and reward performance. The 42nd annual event, scheduled for May 17, 2026, will feature a 350-lap race, a departure from the typical 400-lap distance, intended as a nod to the track’s dedicated fanbase.
Eligibility and the Road to the Final Stage
Seventeen drivers are already locked into the final stage of the All-Star Race based on criteria including wins in the 2025 or 2026 points-paying races, previous All-Star Race victories, and past NASCAR Cup Series championships. The remaining spots will be filled through a combination of on-track performance and fan voting. The final field will consist of 26 drivers competing for a $1 million prize.
Unlike previous iterations, there will be no ‘open’ race for drivers to qualify into the decisive segment. Instead, the combined results of the first two stages will determine the remaining 25 drivers, with the 26th and final spot awarded to the winner of the traditional fan vote.
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown: Inversions and Average Finishes
The race will be divided into three segments. The first two stages will each consist of 75 laps. Following the first stage, the top 26 finishers will be inverted, meaning the driver who finished 26th will start first in the second stage. This inversion aims to shake up the field and create more passing opportunities.
The starting lineup for the final 200-lap segment will be determined by the average finish of each driver across the first two stages. Drivers already locked into the final stage are exempt from elimination, ensuring they have a guaranteed starting position.
Qualifying and Pit Crew Competition
Qualifying on Saturday, May 16, will set the starting lineup for the first stage. The Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge will also be part of the qualifying format, adding another layer of competition and strategy.
The pit crew contest will involve each team running one full lap at speed, followed by a four-tire stop with no fuel. The total elapsed time from the green flag to the checkered flag will determine the qualifying time, with the fastest team earning the pole position. The results of the pit crew contest will also dictate pit box selection for the race on Sunday.
All-Star Weekend: A Tripleheader at Dover
The NASCAR All-Star Weekend will feature a tripleheader, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 on Friday, May 15, and the BetRivers 200 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event on Saturday, May 16. This marks the first time in NASCAR history that all three national series will compete during All-Star Weekend.
FAQ
Q: How many drivers will compete in the All-Star Race?
A: 26 drivers will compete for the $1 million prize.
Q: What is the format for determining the starting lineup for the final segment?
A: The starting lineup for the final segment will be determined by the average finish of each driver across the first two stages.
Q: Will there be an ‘open’ race to qualify into the final stage?
A: No, there will not be an ‘open’ race. The field will be set through on-track performance and the fan vote.
Q: What other races are part of the All-Star Weekend?
A: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 and the BetRivers 200 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.
Q: How does the pit crew contest affect the race?
A: The pit crew contest determines pit box selection for the race.
Don’t miss the action as NASCAR’s biggest stars battle it out at Dover Motor Speedway! Explore ticket options and camping packages here.
