NASCAR's 1st All-Star Race in Northeast at Dover Scraps Promoter's Caution, Has $1 Million Prize

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NASCAR has announced changes to the format of its annual All-Star race, which will be held at Dover Motor Speedway for the first time in 2026. The race will feature a three-segment, 350-lap competition, scrapping the controversial 'Promoter's Caution' that was used last year. The winner will receive a $1 million prize, and all three of NASCAR's national series will compete during the All-Star Weekend at Dover.

Why it matters

The move of the All-Star race to Dover marks the first time the exhibition event will be held in the Northeast, expanding its reach beyond its traditional home in North Carolina. The new format and elimination of the Promoter's Caution are aimed at creating a more exciting and competitive race for fans.

The details

The All-Star race will feature three segments, with the top 26 finishers from the first segment having their starting order inverted for the second. The lowest combined finishing positions from the first two segments will set the starting lineup for the 200-lap final race, which will feature 26 cars. A competition break will take place around Lap 225 during the final segment.

• The 2026 NASCAR All-Star race will be held on May 17.
• Last year's race was held at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

What’s next

The 2026 NASCAR All-Star race at Dover Motor Speedway will take place on May 17, marking the first time the exhibition event has been held in the Northeast.