Dover’s All‑Star qualifying delivers drama
The 2026 NASCAR All‑Star qualifying at Dover International Speedway introduced a novel three‑lap, four‑tire pit stop format that immediately set the stage for a chaotic showdown.
Denny Hamlin, despite a spin during his warm‑up lap, managed to claim pole position, sharing the front row with Brad Keselowski. Behind them, Erik Jones, Ross Chastain and William Byron prepared for their attempts, while Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace also eyed a strong start.
Pit crew battle for $100,000
Amid the turbulence, the Pit Crew Challenge offered a $100,000 prize, drawing fierce competition from teams across the garage. Zane Smith’s Front Row Motorsports Ford posted a blistering 12.612‑second stop to take the win, while Connor Zilisch’s own penalty for speeding on pit entry added drama.
Other notable moments included a 10‑second penalty for Zane Smith’s speeding on pit entry, Michael McDowell’s double‑speeding infraction that derailed his run, and Kyle Larson’s 20‑second sanction for a blend‑line violation. Carson Hocevar’s left‑rear wheel failure destroyed his chance, while Chris Buescher received a combined 20‑second penalty for speeding and a blend‑line breach.
Despite the early setbacks, Hamlin rebounded with a 1:49.298‑second lap to climb to the top of the leaderboard, underscoring his team’s resilience. The qualifying round concluded with a blend of technical mishaps and spectacular performances that will be remembered as one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.