The NASCAR Cup Series is set to stage its second and final non‑points event of 2026, the All‑Star Race, at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware. The 350‑lap spectacle will bring together every driver on the circuit for a one‑off format that blends tradition with experimentation.
A New Twist on a Classic Tradition
The race will be divided into three segments, each culminating in a short elimination period that drops ten drivers after the first two segments. Those who survive advance to a 200‑lap finale where the remaining ten battle for a $1 million prize and a coveted spot in the championship picture.
Saturday’s single‑car qualifying session set the lineup for the opening segment, with Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski sharing the front row and Erik Jones slated to start third. The grid arrangement adds an extra layer of strategy before the green flag drops.
A fan vote will determine the 26th driver who earns a direct berth into the final segment, giving the audience a direct hand in shaping the climax of the event.
What’s at Stake
Although the All‑Star Race is an exhibition, its outcome will influence the points battle heading into the next scheduled points race, the Coca‑Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. That event, broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video, marks the next opportunity for drivers to score championship points.
The shift to Dover marks the first time in the race’s 42‑year history that the event will be held at the Delaware venue, underscoring NASCAR’s willingness to experiment with venue and format to keep the sport fresh.
Fans can expect a high‑octane showdown, with the combination of strategic segment racing, a fan‑selected driver, and a substantial prize purse promising a memorable conclusion to the 2026 non‑points chapter.