CUP: 3-Peat: Denny Hamlin Wins the 2026 All-Star Race at Dover

What’s Happening?

It was a rather unorthodox All-Star Race for NASCAR in 2026. Firstly, it took place in the daylight chiefly because the venue, Dover, doesn’t have lights. Secondly, it was at Dover as they lost their points date and SMI owned the date on the schedule. Also, there was no open. All 36 chartered teams started today’s race with two 75-lap “heats” starting the event while a 200-lap main event concluded the race. For the main event, only 26 of the 36 were permitted to advance. 19 drivers (former winners within the last year) were locked in with the remaining seven spots being transferred in based on the average finish of the first two stages.

All eyes were on Denny Hamlin heading into today’s race. He was, after all, the defending Dover winner and the track seems to fit his driving style like a glove. And, predictably, he was strong all race long with his No. 11 Progressive Toyota leading a majority of the laps in the first stage and in the final run of the race. Other hot contenders throughout were his teammate Chase Briscoe and Denny’s 23XI driver, Tyler Reddick prior to mechanical issues late taking the 45 out of contention.

Briscoe seemingly had the best short run car with the No. 19 consistently besting Hamlin on restarts. However, as the runs ran longer, Denny’s No. 11 started to come in and he’d drive back by the leader. With the last run of the race being a long green flag run, it played right into the hands of Denny Hamlin. Hamlin went on to win the 2026 All-Star Race, cashing in a check of the amount of 1 Million Dollars. It was his second victory in the All-Star Race and his third straight Dover win.

Denny Hamlin wins the All-Star Race at Dover! pic.twitter.com/bqsYNQZl9X

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 17, 2026

Race Report:

• Denny Hamlin started the race from the pole after posting the fastest qualifying time during Saturday’s All-Star qualifying. Meanwhile, Zane Smith’s Aarons crew for Front Row Motorsports won the pit crew challenge over Hamlin and Keselowski. Previous winners include Christopher Bell’s team and Michael McDowell’s Spire Motorsports Team.
• The format of the race was pretty unique as far as All-Star races go. Prior to the 200 lap main event, there were two 75 lap “heats” in which every driver participated and that spelled trouble for a number of heavy hitters. The first of the twin 75 lap heats was sandwiched with two 9-car pileups at the beginning and end of the heat. The first massive crash occurred on Lap 2. It broke out when Ryan Preece lost control of his Ford and spun in front of the entire field. There were a number of favorites caught up in the crash, including Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, and Todd Gilliland. These drivers went to the garage to assess the damage and were permitted to return for the main event, presuming they could get their cars repaired. Back-up cars were not allowed.
• A second massive 9-car crash broke out nearing the end of the opening 75-lap stint and, much like the one that started the race, it collected a number of favorites. The second big one to bookend the first stage started when Riley Herbst got loose in the middle, spinning out in front of the field. What resulted was a massive pile-up that took out heavy hitters such as Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, John Hunter Nemechek, and Zane Smith. Elliott and Bell retired from the event in its entirety.
• Daniel Suarez won the fan vote. He claimed the 26th and final transfer spot to start the All-Star Race.
• Denny Hamlin wins his second All-Star Race and goes three in a row at Dover Motor Speedway. He’s also the second-oldest All-Star Race winner behind Mark Martin.

Official Race Results

The No. 19 is no match for the No. 11. @dennyhamlin to the front with less than 30 to go! pic.twitter.com/dXb1fcIc0J

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 17, 2026

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