The NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race took place on Sunday. It was on Sunday afternoon, starting at 1 p.m. E.T., in Dover.
But did it feel like an All-Star Race?
If you ask the NASCAR Cup Series drivers: not really. The NASCAR Cup Series drivers did not appear to enjoy their time during the All-Star Race. In fact, some of them seemed pretty miserable following the race.
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Does something need to change moving forward?
NASCAR All-Star Race (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Longtime NASCAR driver Chase Briscoe said that it did not “remotely” feel like an All-Star Race on Sunday afternoon.
Chase Elliott, meanwhile, added that it felt more like an October series race, rather than a big-time All-Star Weekend.
“It feels totally like a normal points race,” he said.
NASCAR fans, meanwhile, seemed to enjoy it
While NASCAR’s Cup Series drivers didn’t seem to enjoy the All-Star Weekend, repeatedly claiming it didn’t feel like the biggest of stages, the sport’s fan base seemed to have a good time.
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NASCAR fans packed the stands and expressed their excitement over the race.
“Fans I talked to are excited to be here, and sure, this isnt Dover from our childhood but I’m grading on a scale Hope they get a good show and we can pick up whatever is next for this event and the track,” Matt Weaver shared on X.
It’ll be interesting to see how NASCAR handles things moving forward, though, regarding the All-Star Race.
There’s been a lot of talk about what to do with the All-Star Race and how to make it the most exciting and most entertaining for everyone involved.
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This weekend could be the spark for more change.
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.
