The 2026 NASCAR All‑Star Race at Dover International Speedway got off to a dramatic start when a multi‑car collision erupted on the second lap of Segment 1.
Early Chaos on Lap 2
Ryan Preece’s No. 60 Ford was hit hard enough to crumple the front of his machine, while Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Ford suffered severe front‑end damage as the pack of cars tangled.
Preece emerged from his car under his own power, drawing cheers from the crowd and immediate relief from fans watching the live broadcast.
Posts on Twitter and Reddit quickly filled with messages of concern for the drivers and gratitude for the safety features that limited the severity of the crash.
NASCAR officials confirmed that the incident would not affect the remainder of the event, noting that the series’ ongoing investment in cockpit protection and barrier design continues to pay dividends.
The All‑Star Race, an exhibition event that pits the season’s most popular drivers against one another in a unique format, is designed to showcase high‑octane racing while giving fans a glimpse of the sport’s evolving spectacle.