The future of the NASCAR All-Star Race is heating up as conversations buzz around a possible move to Dover Motor Speedway for 2026, and Kyle Larson’s NASCAR All-Star Race reaction is characteristically calm despite strong fan opinions. As speculation swirls about changes to this storied event, Larson, a defending multi-time All-Star champion, remains focused on adapting wherever NASCAR decides to stage the race.
For nearly 40 years, the NASCAR All-Star Race has been a standout gathering that showcases the sport’s most daring talent. Known for its win-at-all-costs mentality and dramatic finishes, the event was first held in 1985 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Over the decades, the race has bounced between venues—Charlotte, Bristol, Texas, and more recently North Wilkesboro—keeping both drivers and fans guessing where the next high-octane showdown will unfold. The shifting locations have become a key part of its lore, with the setting nearly as important as the competition itself.
Debate reignites over the All-Star Race location
Fueling the conversation this year, NASCAR insiders are increasingly discussing the prospect of Dover’s high-banked concrete “Monster Mile” stepping in as the new home for the All-Star Race in 2026. The plan being discussed would make Dover the flagship venue for the All-Star spectacle, while North Wilkesboro Speedway—recently restored to host the event since 2023—would receive its first points-paying Cup race since 1996.
The logistics for such a change appear simple, as both raceways are owned by Speedway Motorsports (SMI), which has seen both tracks undergo notable transformations. Dover, a NASCAR fixture since 1969 and part of SMI since 2021, is famed for delivering high-speed challenges. Meanwhile, North Wilkesboro has been brought back to life with investments and government support, eagerly awaiting a return to full points-race glory.
With the full 2026 NASCAR schedule likely to drop soon, the stakes are high for everyone invested in the future shape of these beloved events. When asked to weigh in on the swirling Dover rumors, Kyle Larson stayed composed and open-minded.
I mean, the first time I read it was today, so I don’t really have an opinion … I don’t know. I’ll race wherever we got to,
—Kyle Larson, via Frontstretch.
Larson’s steady response reflects his adaptability and deep focus, qualities that have already brought him extraordinary All-Star success. As one of only a handful of drivers to secure three All-Star victories, Larson’s wins in 2019 (Charlotte), 2021 (Texas), and 2023 (North Wilkesboro) prove his ability to overcome different formats and venues. His third win ties him with historic greats Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon for the second-most All-Star wins in series history. For fans and analysts, Larson’s flexibility and dominance underline why he is seen as a perennial contender for the All-Star crown, wherever it may be contested.
Multiple shakeups in the NASCAR rumor mill
Beyond Dover and North Wilkesboro, NASCAR‘s plan for 2026 is shaping up with additional major changes. As the rumor mill churns, sources suggest that Mexico City may have to take a temporary break from the Cup Series due to its stadium serving as a FIFA World Cup host, a complication acknowledged by NASCAR’s executive vice president Ben Kennedy. While Kennedy remains optimistic that the series will return to Mexico in the future, nothing is concrete for 2026.
This scheduling gap opens the door for other tracks to step back into the spotlight, with Chicagoland Speedway rumored to return around July 4th weekend. The 1.5-mile track hasn’t greeted the Cup Series since 2019, but substantial upgrades reportedly in the $5–10 million range could make a return possible. Speedway Motorsports is said to be interested in strengthening its presence in the Chicago region, noting the city’s dedicated fanbase and historic roots in the sport.
Changes are not limited to oval circuits; the 2026 schedule whispers also include a new West Coast configuration. NASCAR is reportedly lining up a San Diego street race for late June, paired closely with a return to Sonoma Raceway. This back-to-back format aims to streamline team logistics while introducing brand-new city streets alongside the classic Sonoma road course, presenting fresh challenges for drivers and greater excitement for fans.
The broader significance of schedule changes
The calendar debate doesn’t stop with track swaps. Insiders hint at a possible second in-season break, giving Cup Series teams a rare pause after the Brickyard 400 in August. This proposed breather adds to the mounting anticipation over a more accommodating, modernized schedule—one that balances tradition with fan-friendly innovations. These shifts, combined with the high-profile All-Star Race realignment involving Dover and North Wilkesboro, paint a picture of NASCAR ready to evolve.
For Kyle Larson, adaptability remains his calling card, as his relaxed take on the rumors (
“I’ll race wherever we got to”
) makes clear. For the sport as a whole, the 2026 season is shaping up to feature a far more geographically diverse array of races and bold new experiments with format. As NASCAR moves closer to unveiling its full calendar, the passionate debate among fans and drivers promises to intensify, centering on the enduring appeal of the All-Star race and what its next chapter will hold in the ever-changing world of motorsports.
