Pole Position Drama
Denny Hamlin secured the pole for the NASCAR All‑Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, despite a spin during his warm‑up lap. The incident did not deter the veteran driver, who managed to set the fastest time in the final qualifying round, positioning him at the front of the grid for the opening segment.
The race will be divided into three distinct stages. In the second stage, the running order will be inverted for the top 26 competitors, creating a fresh strategic challenge for teams and drivers alike. This inversion is a hallmark of the All‑Star format, designed to increase on‑track excitement.
Only 26 drivers will advance to the final stage, with the remaining spots determined by a combination of fan votes and the drivers’ performances in the earlier segments. This hybrid method blends on‑track results with popular support, giving the audience a direct role in shaping the finale.
Broadcast and Stakes
The event is scheduled for May 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time and will be televised on FS1, FOX One, and streamed via HBO Max. Radio coverage will be provided by MRN, ensuring a multi‑platform reach for viewers across the United States.
With a $1 million prize pool, the All‑Star Race stands as one of the most lucrative non‑championship events in the NASCAR calendar. Drivers from a deep talent pool, including Brad Keselowski, Erik Jones, Ross Chastain, William Byron, Daniel Suarez, Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano, Ty Gibbs, Austin Cindric, Kyle Busch, Alex Bowman, Noah Gragson, Tyler Reddick, Ty Dillon, Chase Briscoe, Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, Josh Berry, Todd Gilliland, Riley Herbst, Cole Custer, Cody Ware, Carson Hocevar, Zane Smith, Ryan Preece, Connor Zilisch, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell, Chase Elliott, Chris Buescher, AJ Allmendinger, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and John Hunter Nemechek, are expected to contend for the coveted crown.