Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts to NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover, North Wilkesboro getting points race

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule leaked on Tuesday, and North Wilkesboro is getting a points race. As for the All-Star Race? That’ll head to Dover next season for the first time ever.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is feeling some type of way about the switch. He’s elated North Wilkesboro is getting a more important date, but Dover as the All-Star Race? That has him baffled at the moment.

“North Wilkesboro getting points race is badass,” Earnhardt Jr. stated, via the Dale Jr. Download. “I think it finishes the entire rebirth story. It’ll be in the broadcast window — I will be there to broadcast it. … Dover getting an All-Star Race. Everybody’s like, ‘Man, why the frick are we going to Dover for the All-Star Race?’ I also had that same reaction.

“I’ve had the opportunity to talk to Marcus Smith about this. I’m not on their payroll. I’ve not made a dime for Wilkesboro. I’ve enjoyed the entire experience, but I’m just trying to make clear that there’s no monetary benefit to me whatsoever, no matter what happens to Wilkesboro, but I’m thrilled that they’re getting a points race. I’m happy that it’s in the middle of the summer, because the track needs to be hot, it needs to be tough for it to put on the 400-mile race we want. Hopefully we get that soft tire and all that good stuff.

“But Dover getting the All-Star Race? There’s a lot to unpack here. There has to be an All-Star Race. There’s a lot of reasons why Dover is going to be an All-Star Race. It’s very similar to the car itself, in terms of to change anything on the car, it’s a committee. NASCAR can’t just change something it wants to change on the car. … I was shocked, honestly, that they were able to even switch North Wilkesboro and Dover. I’m shocked that Marcus was even able to convince all the people involved, to take the two tracks and flip them.

“… I never thought they would make (Dover) the All-Star Race, because No. 1, it doesn’t have lights, and it’s Dover. … As confused and perplexed as I am about the All-Star Race, I’m equally excited about North Wilkesboro. So, it’s a wash.”

All in all, Earnhardt Jr. believes it’s a solid trade-off, if this is what it was going to take to get North Wilkesboro a points race. Still, Dover as the All-Star Race is something he’s going to have to see to believe in 2026.

Whether or not it works out remains to be seen, but it’ll certainly be an interesting change for next season. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be tuned in to see if Dover delivers in the All-Star Race in 2026.