THE NASCAR The All-Star Race takes a turn in 2026 as the event heads north to Dover Motor Speedway. In return, there will be lasting rule adjustments that could extend the night for some drivers. The Monster Mile is sure to be an entertaining event on May 16.
Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports revealed the details to us Wednesday afternoon. Now let’s see the details of the All-Star Race.
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350 rounds in total; 3 Segments of 75/75/200 revolutions.
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All cars must start; the top 26 will reverse after the first 75-lap segment.
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The final positions of the two segments will be averaged after the second 75-lap segment to establish the 200-lap field.
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The competition warning will be issued 75 laps into the third segment (total lap 225).
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The final 26 cars will be the race winners from 2025 to present, plus a fan-voted car and the next top qualifiers.
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17 cars are currently locked into the final segment via wins in 2025-2026.
All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway
NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) celebrates after winning the All-Star race. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports© John David Mercer-Imagn Images
(© John David Mercer-Imagn Images)
The All-Star Race debuts at Dover Motor Circuit after being featured the past two years in North Wilkesboro. The Monster Mile is a high-speed track on sidewalk rather than asphalt. The track will be filled with cars within its one-mile radius, roaring for victory.
NASCAR will offer testing Friday. The first segment of the All-Star Race will be determined by qualifying, which will take place earlier on Saturday. Otherwise, qualifying will take place over three laps, including a pit stop with four tires and no fuel. The total of the three laps completed and the pit stop will determine the starting position.
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North Wilkesboro is not gone
North Wilkesboro was added to the NASCAR schedule in 2024 and received widespread praise from fans. However, he lost the All-Star Race. This serves no other purpose than to diversify the program to a new audience of fans and to take a track that could be better suited to the high-speed races of the All-Star Race.
The calendar hasn’t lost North Wilkesboro. It will return to the circuit as a regular season event on July 19. This will be the fourth stop of five in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on February 25, 2026, where he first appeared in the Races section. Add Athlon Sports as Favorite source by clicking here.
