The NASCAR All‑Star Race is set to return to Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, bringing with it a completely revamped structure that will test drivers and excite spectators. For the first time in years the event will run 350 laps, divided into three distinct segments that each carry their own strategic stakes.
A Three‑Segment Showdown
The opening 75‑lap segment will determine which 26 drivers move forward, with their running order inverted for the second stage. Performance in that inverted race will then set the lineup for the final 200‑lap segment, where the average finishing position of each competitor across the first two stages will dictate their starting order. This hybrid approach blends traditional racing with a points‑based twist, rewarding consistency as well as speed.
Drivers who have captured race wins in the 2025 or 2026 seasons, those who earned a fan vote, former series champions and past All‑Star winners are automatically guaranteed a spot in the third segment. The remaining positions will be filled by the highest‑averaging finishers from the opening two stages, ensuring that even those without a win can still contend for the finale.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Fans can watch the action live on FS1, which will provide a national broadcast of the entire event. In addition to the traditional telecast, HBO Max will offer an innovative in‑car camera feed for each driver, giving viewers a unique perspective from inside the cockpit. This multi‑platform approach aims to broaden access and deepen engagement for a new generation of NASCAR followers.