Denny Hamlin captured the $1 million prize at the NASCAR All‑Star Race on Sunday night at Dover Motor Speedway, but the celebration was tempered by criticism from many of his fellow competitors.
The race was reshaped with a 350‑lap distance, extended practice sessions, segment racing and inversion rules, a departure from the short, high‑octane format fans had come to expect.
Chase Briscoe, who finished second, said the longer distance altered the feel of the event, while Chase Elliott voiced similar concerns before the green flag even dropped.
Bubba Wallace later expressed frustration, noting that the atmosphere lacked the fun, electric vibe that traditionally separates the All‑Star weekend from a regular points weekend.
Hamlin, the race winner, admitted the new format did not work as intended at Dover and suggested the track might be better suited to a points race, while also proposing a new location and format for future editions.
The added horsepower package helped create passing moves but also made the cars harder to control, a trade‑off that drivers felt compromised the racing quality.
Brad Keselowski pointed out that Dover’s concrete surface, already known for its demanding grip challenges, added to the difficulty, and several crashes punctuated the night, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the event.
A Troubled Showcase
The mixed reactions highlight a broader dilemma for NASCAR as it tries to balance spectacle with sporting integrity, leaving the future of the All‑Star Race format and venue open to debate.