The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover International Speedway turned chaotic on its second lap when a three-wide battle between Ryan Preece, Todd Gilliland and Kyle Larson escalated into a multi-car pileup.
Preece’s Chevrolet slammed into the Turn 1 wall at high speed, the impact sending debris flying and igniting a fire that engulfed the front of his car. The incident also collected Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suarez, Cole Custer, John Hunter Nemechek and Michael McDowell, who were all forced into the wall and into each other.
Preece, still able to exit his vehicle, later expressed uncertainty about the exact cause of the crash, stating he would apologize if his actions contributed, while acknowledging the difficulty of pinpointing fault in such a crowded moment.
Race Suspended for Cleanup
Officials immediately red-flagged the event, sending the track to cleanup. Five cars were dispatched to the garage for repairs, but the damage to several machines was extensive. While some drivers may be able to return after fixes, Preece’s car was too severely compromised to continue.
The incident underscores the inherent risks of pack racing and the fine line drivers walk when battling for position in the early stages of a high-stakes exhibition. NASCAR’s safety crew will review the crash footage to determine whether any procedural adjustments are needed for future events.