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Dover Today
By the People, for the People
NASCAR Unveils Unique Format for Inaugural All-Star Race at Dover
The new format includes a 350-lap event with three segments and a $1 million prize for the winner.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports announced a new format for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race, which will be held for the first time at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17. The race will be a 350-lap event split into three segments of 75, 75, and 200 laps, with the top 26 drivers from the first two segments advancing to the final 200-lap segment to compete for a $1 million prize.
Why it matters
The NASCAR All-Star Race is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the sport's top drivers and features unique formats designed to create excitement and drama. The decision to hold the race at Dover Motor Speedway for the first time, along with the new segmented format, represents a significant change that could impact the dynamics of the event and generate increased interest from fans.
The details
The new format includes several key changes from previous years. There will be no "open" race, meaning all cars will start the event. The lineup for the second segment will be an inversion of the top 26 finishers from the first segment, with the remaining drivers lined up by their finish. The 26 drivers who advance to the final 200-lap segment will include 2025 and 2026 Cup Series race winners, former Cup Series champions, the Fan Vote winner, and the remaining drivers based on their combined finishing positions in the first two segments.
- The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race will be held on Sunday, May 17.
- The race will be a 350-lap event split into three segments of 75, 75, and 200 laps.
The players
NASCAR
The sanctioning body for the top professional stock car racing series in the United States.
Speedway Motorsports
A company that owns and operates several major NASCAR race tracks, including Dover Motor Speedway.
What they’re saying
“NASCAR is switching things up for the All-Star Race, which Bell won last year at North Wilkesboro Speedway.”
— Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Reporter (on3.com)
What’s next
The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, with the new format and $1 million prize on the line.
The takeaway
The changes to the NASCAR All-Star Race format, including the move to Dover Motor Speedway, represent an effort by the sport to keep the event fresh and engaging for fans. The new segmented structure and increased prize money could lead to more intense competition and unpredictable outcomes, adding to the excitement surrounding this annual showcase of NASCAR's top talent.
