Glaring problem for NASCAR All-Star Race rears head early

Less than halfway through Sunday's NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, a major problem with the race's format has already reared its ugly head multiple times. 

The 2026 ASR format saw all 36 Cup drivers take the green flag for the event, with the field being whittled down to 26 drivers after 150 laps. Per usual, race winners from the previous and current seasons were locked into the final segment, as well as past All-Star Race winners and former Cup Series champions. 

However, those not locked into the final 200-lap segment had the incentive to race as hard as possible. The top-six drivers who aren't locked in after the first 150 laps advance to the final segment by virtue of their average finish in segments 1 and 2. 

'26 ASR format's glaring issue pops up early

However, putting all 36 drivers out there ran the risk of involving drivers already locked into the 200-lap finale in accidents that would render them unable to actually race for the $1 million prize. The All-Star Race, at least for the first 150 laps, would be more of an "All-Car Race" than an exclusive All-Star event. 

On Lap 2, a crash in turn 1 involved nine cars, including Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson, who were locked into the final segment. Blaney and Larson weren't ruled out of the race, and since NASCAR is treating each stage as an individual event, their teams are able to work on their cars and get them back on the track to begin the final stage on the lead lap.