For four decades, the NASCAR All-Star Race has hopped among some of stock car racing’s most storied venues. Charlotte hosted almost every year from 1985 through 2019. This was before the show went to Bristol in 2020, Texas in 2021, and 2022. And then North Wilkesboro in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Those stages have delivered signature moments, from Kyle Larson’s dominant 2023 run at North Wilkesboro to Joey Logano leading 199 of 200 laps in 2024, and Christopher Bell snatching the million in 2025. In a surprising turn of events, multiple reports now indicate NASCAR is preparing to find a new home for the All-Star Race in the NASCAR schedule for 2026.
Why consider a change at all? The All-Star Race is a made-for-showcase exhibition that NASCAR often uses to spotlight facilities, markets, and storylines. Rotating the venue can refresh the product, create new ticket demand, and align with track operators’ broader calendars. Tracks with strong infrastructure and ownership synergies become natural contenders, especially where a move could unlock schedule flexibility elsewhere in the NASCAR schedule. That is why Speedway Motorsports properties have emerged as the central players, and in a recent update, it appears NASCAR has all but identified its next stop.
A surprising all-star change to the 2026 NASCAR schedule
The current plan under discussion is to shift the 2026 All-Star Race to Dover Motor Speedway. This one-mile concrete “Monster Mile” is known for its high banking and punishing pace. Holding the All-Star event at Dover in May would free North Wilkesboro Speedway to host a Cup Series points race for the first time since 1996. The full NASCAR schedule for 2026 is expected to reflect this change. This would mean Dover taking the exhibition spotlight and North Wilkesboro stepping into a regular-season slot.
NASCAR is considering moving the 2026 All-Star Race to Dover, multiple sources tell @TheAthletic. https://t.co/aD5gEWBjYr
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) August 14, 2025
The move makes logistical sense. Speedway Motorsports owns both venues, making a direct swap seamless. Dover has hosted premier-series racing since 1969 and was brought under SMI’s ownership in 2021. Meanwhile, North Wilkesboro’s rebirth has already proven it can handle the big stage. Moreover, it is fueled by state and federal-backed infrastructure upgrades. Adding a summer points race there would be a milestone moment. It would be a clear sign that the NASCAR schedule is continuing to blend historic charm with modern strategy.
This is a developing story.
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