The 2026 NASCAR All‑Star Race will crown a champion with a $1 million prize, marking the first time the event is staged at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware. Scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET on May 17, the exhibition will be televised on Fox Sports 1.
A Revamped Spectacle
For the first time in the race’s 42‑year history, the entire 36‑car grid will take the green flag together, a radical shift from previous formats that limited the field. The new structure blends high‑stakes gimmicks with traditional racing, featuring two 75‑lap segments that invert the top 26 drivers before a 200‑lap finale.
The centerpiece of the changes is the fan‑driven All‑Star Vote, which guarantees the final spot in the lineup for the highest‑voted driver. The remaining 26 competitors will battle through a competition caution around lap 75, adding strategy to the mix.
Denny Hamlin will lead the field from pole position, marking his second All‑Star pole and building on his 2025 victory from the same starting spot. His pursuit of the million‑dollar prize will be challenged by a deep field that includes Brad Keselowski, Erik Jones, Ross Chastain and a host of other seasoned drivers.
The complete lineup features names such as William Byron, Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano, Ty Gibbs, Austin Cindric, Kyle Busch, Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and many more, ensuring a diverse mix of experience and youthful talent.
Fans can expect a broadcast that blends on‑track action with behind‑the‑scenes coverage, as FS1 promises extensive commentary and analysis throughout the event.