Full Breakdown
NASCAR All-Star Race Moves to Dover, Featuring $1 Million Prize and ACM Awards Tie-In
5/12/2026, 8:46:12 AM
Event Background & Details
The All-Star Race will debut at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET. The 350-lap event has a 150-lap opening (two 75-lap blocks) and a 200-lap final with the field cut to 26. It airs on FS1 (also HBO Max, MRN, SiriusXM). Tickets start at $80; front-stretch seats $107.
Key Drivers, Partnerships & Fan Vote
23XI Racing will field Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE with Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards graphics; Reddick leads the points with five wins. The ACM tie-in links the race to the 61st ACM Awards, airing at 8 p.m. ET. Fan-vote spots for the final seven include Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher, Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece and Connor Zilisch.
Data & Statistics
The $1 million prize is the only reward; no points are awarded. The race starts with the full field, then narrows to 26 for the final stage. After the May 10 Watkins Glen race, the standings are Tyler Reddick (567), Denny Hamlin (438), Chase Elliott (422), Ryan Blaney (405) and Chris Buescher (375). Fan-vote top five are Bowman, Buescher, Gragson, Preece and Zilisch.
Official Statements & Responses
NASCAR lists the All-Star Race for May 17 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1. It announced the ACM partnership, calling the ACM-branded car “a great fit” that “brings together two iconic brands in sports and music.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts cite Dover’s limited passing and long green-flag runs, questioning its suitability. The new format—two 75-lap blocks, then a cut to 26 drivers—has been called “further delegitimizing what was once a crown-jewel event.”
Why It Matters
The $1 million prize offers a high-stakes incentive without affecting championship points, and the ACM tie-in expands NASCAR’s cultural reach into country music. As the season nears the playoff cutoff, the All-Star Race gives drivers a stage to gauge performance before the points battle.
What's Next
The Cup Series moves to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With a family connection to Nashville and the country music industry, I'm really looking forward to racing the ACM Awards car in the All-Star Race,” — Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing driver
- “From the track to the stage, we love this connection and partnership because it brings together two iconic brands in sports and music, known for uniting legends and rising stars, connecting fans and celebrating the next generation of icons in Country Music and NASCAR,” — Lauren Burchett, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Revenue, Academy of Country Music
- “Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the home of Dale, NASCAR has always been in my blood. I'm so honored to be a part of this opportunity,” — Kameron Marlowe, country artist
- “I know this is going to be an ACM Awards weekend to remember, and I can't wait to watch the All-Star Race!” — Kameron Marlowe, country artist
