The NASCAR Cup Series takes a one-week break from points racing for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race, debuting at Dover Motor Speedway for the first time in the event’s history. The exhibition pays the season’s largest winner’s check and serves as a no-points proving ground for the series’ best drivers – with All-Star Open transfers, fan-vote spots, and a one-and-done format that rewards aggression over consistency.
Whether you are heading to the Monster Mile or watching from home, here is the complete weekend itinerary, including practice, the All-Star Open qualifier, and the main event.
NASCAR All-Star Race Event Overview
- Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Track: Dover Motor Speedway – Dover, DE (first All-Star Race at Dover)
- Distance: TBD (final lap count and stage format announced closer to the event)
- Format: Non-points exhibition; All-Star Open qualifier feeds three transfer drivers plus a fan vote into the main field
- Defending Winner: Christopher Bell (won the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro)
- 2026 Pole Winner: TBD (updated after qualifying)
Full Weekend Schedule & TV Times
All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Schedule is subject to change due to weather. The latest official information is published on the NASCAR Cup Series 2026 schedule page.
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, May 15 | Cup Series Practice | TBD | TBD |
| Sun, May 17 | NASCAR All-Star Open (qualifier) | TBD | FS1 |
| Sun, May 17 | NASCAR All-Star Race (Main Event) | 3:00 PM | FS1 |
Printable NASCAR All-Star Race Schedule & Tracker
Download our signature minimalist, low-ink PDF for the weekend. This one-page tracker includes the weekend schedule and a blank Lap Leader and Top 10 grid for you to fill out during the race.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series Resource Hub
Looking for the full season outlook? Browse the complete 2026 schedule, including all playoff dates, road courses, and the international San Diego debut. We also keep printable, low-ink schedules for the other two NASCAR national series:
- 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
- 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
- 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What channel is the NASCAR race on today?
The 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race will be broadcast live on FS1. Streaming is also available via the FOX Sports App.
How many stages are in the NASCAR All-Star Race?
The All-Star Race is a non-points exhibition with its own format separate from regular Cup Series races. The 2026 stage breakdown for the Dover venue debut will be announced by NASCAR closer to the event – we will update this article when the official format is released.
What time does the green flag drop?
While the broadcast begins at 3:00 PM ET, the official green flag is scheduled to wave at approximately 3:15 PM ET.
