NASCAR held its annual All-Star Exhibition Race on Sunday, with this year’s event taking place in Dover.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race took place on Sunday afternoon, in a rare 1 p.m. E.T. start time. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was pushing everyone to show a clear commitment to the race. He wanted the TV ratings to be big.
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“I’m gonna turn on every TV and stream from every device. Let’s inflate the numbers folks so we can get more of this,” he shared.
But the crowd turnout was important, too. As NASCAR continues to debate which racing sites should be prioritized into the future, the crowd turnout on Sunday afternoon was sending a clear, perfect message.
NASCAR’s crowd sent a clear message on Sunday: the support for the Dover race track is extremely clear.
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Fans send clear message to NASCAR world
NASCAR’s All-Star Cup Series Race in Dover sent a clear message that this is a beloved track with a large fan base.
“I haven’t seen the Dover atmosphere and stands that packed since I was younger. It was awesome 🔥,” one wrote.
“Remember when they said no one wanted to the all-star race at Dover? The sold out parking lots said otherwise,” one added.
“Crowd is great at Dover today, despite it being really hot and only an exhibition race. This track doesn’t deserve to lose its points race,” another added.
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“Probably the best on-track product at Dover in over a decade. Wish it had been a normal points race instead of that dumb All-Star format. I think the higher-hp, lower-downforce (and lack of shifting?) really helped the racing. Just so sick of seeing Hamlin trounce the field here,” one added.
Denny Hamlin, driving the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, took home the checkered flag in Sunday’s race. Chase Briscoe, Erik Jones, Austin Dillon and Connor Zilisch rounded out the top five.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
