NASCAR has released the official entry list for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, marking the first time the exhibition event will take place at the famous “Monster Mile.” The race is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, and NASCAR has also introduced a new format that changes how drivers advance through the event.
The 36-car field includes many of the sport’s biggest names, with drivers battling through three segments across 350 laps. FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass shared the complete NASCAR All-Star Race entry list on social media, including the drivers automatically locked into the final segment.
NASCAR removed the traditional All-Star Open and instead placed every entered driver into the first two race segments before the field is reduced for the final stage.
NASCAR All-Star Race Format Changes for Dover
The new NASCAR All-Star Race format will begin with qualifying on Saturday, May 16. That session will set the starting order for the opening 75-lap segment at Dover.
After Segment 1, the top 26 finishers will see their positions inverted for Segment 2. Drivers outside the top 26 will restart based on their finishing positions in the opening segment. NASCAR created the inversion to increase passing opportunities on Dover’s concrete surface.
Once Segment 2 ends, the field will shrink to 26 cars for the final 200-lap segment. Drivers already guaranteed a place in the final include recent Cup Series race winners, full-time former series champions, and other qualified contenders.
Six more drivers will advance based on average finishing positions from the first two segments. NASCAR will award the final transfer spot through a fan vote on NASCAR.com.
All-star centralist list for Dover. I added red stars next to those automatically in the final 200-lap segment. All cars are in the first two 75-lap segments. Six more race final 200-lap segment based on average finish of those two segments and then a fan vote as well. pic.twitter.com/ZSqNAniGdA
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 11, 2026
The new setup guarantees every entry track time during the opening 150 laps while placing more focus on performance and consistency before the final segment begins.
NASCAR All-Star Race Entry List Features Top Drivers
The NASCAR All-Star Race entry list includes several major championship contenders and former race winners. Kyle Larson will compete in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, while Denny Hamlin returns in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.
Driving for Team Penske in the No. 22 Ford, Joey Logano joins a strong field that also includes Christopher Bell in the No. 20 Toyota and Chase Elliott in the No. 9 Chevrolet.
Shane van Gisbergen is also part of the field as he continues his first full NASCAR Cup Series season with Trackhouse Racing. Young drivers like Carson Hocevar and Noah Gragson will try to race their way into the final segment alongside veterans such as Bubba Wallace and Kyle Busch.
Dover Motor Speedway Prepares for NASCAR All-Star Race
Dover Motor Speedway will host the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time in event history. The one-mile concrete track is known for high banking, heavy tire wear, and demanding racing conditions.
NASCAR officials expect the new segmented format to create aggressive racing throughout the event. Drivers will also compete in the Pit Crew Challenge during the weekend before Sunday’s main race airs on FS1.
Although the NASCAR All-Star Race does not award championship points, the event remains one of the biggest showcases of the season. Drivers compete for bragging rights, prize money, and momentum as the regular season moves toward the summer stretch.
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