A chaotic opening to the NASCAR All‑Star Race
The 2026 NASCAR All‑Star Race burst into controversy from the very first lap, when a nine‑car pile‑up turned the opening stage into a chaotic spectacle. Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott — all former Cup Series champions — found themselves caught in the melee, their cars tangled as the field jostled for position.
The incident was sparked when Ryan Preece clipped Todd Gilliland, sending his own machine careening into the wall. The impact ignited a fire that engulfed Preece’s car, forcing the driver out of the competition early. On the FOX Sports 1 broadcast, Preece acknowledged that the wreck was likely his fault, a rare admission that added a layer of accountability to the unfolding drama.
Both Blaney and Larson, despite the damage to their machines, remain eligible to re‑enter the final stage thanks to their past champion status. Their crew chiefs have been working overtime to repair the damage, hoping to keep their championship aspirations alive as the race progresses.
The crash also involved a quartet of other competitors — Daniel Suarez, Cole Custer, John Hunter Nemechek and Michael McDowell — who each saw their momentum disrupted. While the early chaos raised questions about safety protocols, officials will review the incident as the event moves toward its climax.