All-Star Open removed from the 2026 format in the race for $1M at Dover Motor Speedway
The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race will take place at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 17. Today, NASCAR has announced a new format for the 2026 event.
The race will be run in three segments over 350 laps. Every driver in the event will be on the track, removing the former All-Star Open LCQ race.
View the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race format below.
Qualifying Format
“Drivers take the green flag, run one full lap at speed, and on the second lap proceed to one of two NASCAR-designated pit stalls for a four-tire stop (no fuel). When the pit stop is complete, the cars will exit pit road and race back to the checkered flag. Qualifying time will be the total elapsed time from green flag to checkered flag, with the fastest team earning the pole position for the race.”
Additionally, the Pit Crew Challenge winner will be determined by the team with the fastest stop during qualifying.
All-Star Race Format
Segment 1 and Segment 2:
75 Laps
Segment 3:
200 Laps
The final segment features just 26 drivers.
“Qualifying on Saturday sets the lineup for Segment 1. Segment 2 will feature the top 26 finishers inverted at the start, while the remainder of the field will line up based on their Segment 1 finishing positions.”
“All laps will count in all three segments, with standard NASCAR race procedures in effect. During the final segment, a competition break will take place at or around Lap 225.”
“Drivers eligible for the final segment include those who have won a points event in either 2025 or 2026, former NASCAR All-Star Race winners who compete full-time, and former NASCAR Cup Series champions who compete full-time. The remaining positions will be filled based on combined results from Segment 1 and Segment 2 until the field reaches 25 drivers. The 26th and final position will be awarded to the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote winner.”
Driver Locked Into the All-Star Race
William Byron
Kyle Larson
Christopher Bell
Denny Hamlin
Chase Elliott
Tyler Reddick
Brad Keselowski
Joey Logano
Austin Cindric
Ryan Blaney
Josh Berry
Austin Dillon
Chase Briscoe
Ross Chastain
Shane Van Gisbergen
Bubba Wallace
Kyle Busch
