NASCAR Faces Backlash Over 2026 All-Star Race Format

Denny Hamlin criticizes NASCAR's decision to hold the event at Dover Motor Speedway.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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NASCAR unveiled the format for the 2026 All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, and the reaction has been mixed. Notably, veteran driver Denny Hamlin expressed his disapproval of the new format, calling it the first "swing and miss" NASCAR has made this season. Hamlin criticized the decision to hold the event at Dover, arguing that the track is not well-suited for an All-Star Race and that the format is too easy, with all 36 chartered cars starting the race.

Why it matters

The All-Star Race is a highly anticipated event in the NASCAR calendar, and the format changes are intended to make the race more exciting and engaging for fans. However, Hamlin's criticism highlights the challenges NASCAR faces in finding the right balance between innovation and tradition, as well as the importance of selecting the right venue for the event.

The details

The 2026 All-Star Race will be a 350-lap event split into three segments: 75 laps, 75 laps, and a final 200-lap segment. The lineup for the final segment will be determined by a combination of 2025 and 2026 race winners, former champions, a fan vote, and the remaining drivers based on their combined finishing positions in the first two segments. Hamlin criticized the decision to hold the event at Dover, arguing that the track is not well-suited for an All-Star Race and that the format is too easy, with all 36 chartered cars starting the race.

  • The 2026 All-Star Race will be held at Dover Motor Speedway.
  • The event will be the first to take place at Dover, as North Wilkesboro hosted the event from 2023-2025.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A veteran NASCAR driver who has been critical of the format and venue for the 2026 All-Star Race.

NASCAR

The governing body of professional stock car racing in the United States, responsible for organizing the All-Star Race.

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What they’re saying

“I said something on social media about how everyone participates, you get a medal. We gotta make things harder, not easier. This is a society problem, like, why in the hell are 36 cars gonna start the All-Star Race? It should be [a points race]. I don't know, I'm sure there's a rhyme and reason.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver (Actions Detrimental* podcast)

“Last segment, 200 laps at Dover? That is gonna feel like a normal race. The problem is the venue. I am, of course, very against Dover losing a points race but then you ended up having this racetrack because we were so gung ho on give them what they want.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver (Actions Detrimental* podcast)

What’s next

NASCAR has indicated that it will consider feedback from drivers and fans as it finalizes the format for the 2026 All-Star Race. Denny Hamlin has called for the event to be moved to a different venue in 2027.

The takeaway

The backlash from Denny Hamlin and other NASCAR stakeholders highlights the importance of balancing innovation and tradition when it comes to marquee events like the All-Star Race. NASCAR will need to carefully consider the feedback and make adjustments to ensure the 2026 event is an engaging and exciting spectacle for fans.