This Sunday, May 17, the NASCAR Cup Series will bring its annual All‑Star Race to Dover Motor Speedway, broadcasting live on Fox Sports 1 from 1:00 p.m. ET. The event marks a rare weekend where the series’ most spectacular exhibition is held on a short track, adding an extra layer of strategy for the drivers and teams.
The entry list consists of 36 chartered cars, but only 26 are slated to actually take the green flag in the final segment. All teams are bound by the charter system, eliminating the presence of non‑chartered entries and emphasizing the series’ shift toward a more stable, team‑focused format.
Among the teams making repeated appearances this season are Live Fast Motorsports and Garage 66. Both squads have been active on the road course circuit, with Live Fast Motorsports logging its fourth Watkins Glen outing and Garage 66, formerly MBM Motorsports, completing its sixth appearance of the year at the same venue.
How the Final Spot Will Be Earned
The race will be split into two 75‑lap segments that determine the six drivers who will join the 19 already locked in for the finale. Those six spots are up for grabs through a combination of on‑track performance and a fan vote, giving the audience a direct role in shaping the lineup.
Katherine Legge has become the third different driver to pilot the No. 78 Chevrolet this year, finishing 35th in her season debut. She now aims to join an elite group of six drivers who have attempted the Memorial Day Double, a feat that underscores the endurance and ambition of the series’ competitors. Josh Bilicki, the fourth driver for Garage 66 in 2026, placed 34th in his recent outing, highlighting the competitive nature of the field.
With the stakes high and the format fresh, the All‑Star Race promises a blend of veteran skill and emerging talent. The combination of chartered stability, performance‑based qualification, and fan involvement creates a narrative that could redefine how NASCAR approaches its showcase events.