- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Dover Today
By the People, for the People
Denny Hamlin Criticizes NASCAR's New 2026 All-Star Race Format
The three-segment race will feature an inverted field and a $1 million prize for the winner.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
NASCAR has unveiled a new format for its 2026 All-Star Race, which will take place at Dover Motor Speedway. The race will consist of three segments, with the top 26 drivers from the first segment having their positions inverted for the second segment. The final 200-lap segment will feature 26 drivers, including 2025 and 2026 race winners, former champions, a fan vote winner, and the remaining drivers based on combined finishing positions in the first two segments. Denny Hamlin took to Twitter to criticize the new inclusive format, seemingly taking a shot at how all drivers will be able to participate.
Why it matters
The All-Star Race is a high-profile event in the NASCAR calendar, and changes to its format are closely watched by fans and drivers alike. Hamlin's criticism suggests that some drivers may not be fully on board with the new format, which aims to make the race more accessible and inclusive.
The details
The 2026 All-Star Race will be a 350-lap event split into three segments: 75 laps, 75 laps, and a 200-lap final segment. Qualifying on Saturday will determine the starting order for the first segment, with the top 26 drivers having their positions inverted for the second segment. The 26 drivers in the final segment will include 2025 and 2026 race winners, former champions, a fan vote winner, and the remaining drivers based on their combined finishing positions in the first two segments. The winner of the 200-lap final segment will receive a $1 million prize.
- The 2026 All-Star Race will take place on May 17, 2026.
- Qualifying for the race will be held on May 16, 2026.
The players
Denny Hamlin
A veteran NASCAR driver who has won multiple races and championships in his career.
NASCAR
The governing body of professional stock car racing in the United States.
What they’re saying
“Drivers who fail to qualify will also be presented participation metals on the front stretch after the conclusion of stage 2,”
— Denny Hamlin (Twitter)
What’s next
The 2026 All-Star Race will take place on May 17, 2026, at Dover Motor Speedway. The race will air live on FS1, with coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
The takeaway
NASCAR's new format for the 2026 All-Star Race aims to make the event more inclusive, but the changes have drawn criticism from some drivers like Denny Hamlin, who seem to view the new format as too accommodating to non-qualifying drivers. The race will be a closely watched event as NASCAR continues to evolve its marquee all-star event.
