As NASCAR finalizes its 2026 Cup Series schedule, driver Alex Bowman has voiced his opinion on the potential relocation of the All-Star Race to Dover Motor Speedway, emphasizing his hope that the event remains a points-paying race. The ongoing discussion around shifting the All-Star Race to Dover has sparked debate, particularly as Dover could lose its current points race under this plan while North Wilkesboro Speedway might regain a points event for the first time since 1996.
According to reports from The Athletic, Dover, a venue with a long history of hosting Cup events since 1969, is under serious consideration as the next home for NASCAR‘s All-Star Race. Meanwhile, North Wilkesboro is poised to make a return to the Cup points calendar. This possibility has raised concerns among drivers who value Dover’s role in the championship season.
Alex Bowman’s Thoughts on Dover and the All-Star Race
Bowman spoke candidly about the potential change during a pre-race interview before the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Known for his strong performances at Dover, he expressed his reluctance to see the race lose its points status.
“I’d hate to lose a points race at Dover. It’s my favorite race track, but that’s part for the course for places I like, I guess. But, I think it should be on a rotation for sure. Dover, you’re going to have to have a day race. There’s no lights there. It’d be kind of different than a lot of All-Star races or All-Star events typically are. So I’d rather see that one stay a points race, but we’re pretty good there and a million dollars would be nice too.” — Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports driver
Bowman’s standpoint is shaped by his success on Dover’s one-mile oval, where he claimed a victory in 2021 and earned five top-five finishes. For him, Dover is one of the strongest tracks in his repertoire, making its potential downgrade from a points race a tough prospect.
His suggestion to implement a rotation system for major events aligns with NASCAR’s broader strategy to diversify venues and spread key races across different tracks. This would not only allow Dover to remain significant on the points calendar but also opens the door for North Wilkesboro to stage a points race once again, a move welcomed by many fans and drivers alike.
Recent History of the NASCAR All-Star Race’s Venue Changes
The All-Star Race has seen several location changes over recent years, often reflecting NASCAR’s experimental approach to keeping the event fresh. Historically tied to Charlotte Motor Speedway, the All-Star Race has moved to Bristol (2020), Texas (2021 and 2022), and most recently North Wilkesboro (2023). The 2025 race was held elsewhere and featured a dramatic finish with Christopher Bell narrowly edging Joey Logano, a contest regarded as a success by many in the sport.
Alex Bowman Reaches 350 Cup Starts at Richmond’s Cook Out 400
Saturday’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway carries special significance for Bowman as he prepares to mark his 350th career Cup Series start. This 0.75-mile track in Virginia hosts the second-to-last race of the regular 2025 season, with many playoff spots still undecided, adding extra pressure and intensity.
Currently, three drivers sit securely in playoff positions based on points: Tyler Reddick with a 117-point lead, Bowman 60 points above the cut line, and Chris Buescher holding a slim 34-point cushion ahead of teammate Ryan Preece. With the upcoming race at Daytona, any surprise winner could reshape the playoff landscape dramatically.
Reflecting on reaching his milestone, Bowman said:
“No, certainly not. It just makes me feel old. So I’m just glad somebody came over here with something positive to say… it’s been a crazy ride, especially the first couple years versus now. It’s such a different situation. So it’s pretty cool.” — Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports driver
Starting Positions and Prospects at Richmond Raceway
Qualifying sessions set a promising tone for Bowman and his Hendrick Motorsports teammates. Chase Elliott secured the best starting spot among them with a fifth-place position, logging a lap time of 22.361 seconds. Bowman will start ninth at 22.397 seconds, while William Byron begins 14th. Kyle Larson, despite showing speed in practice, will start 30th after recording a 22.986-second lap. Larson has previously won twice at Richmond, including the most recent Hendrick Motorsports victory there in 2023.
Bowman himself holds one Richmond victory from 2021, making him optimistic about his chances in this critical late-season race. With the stakes high due to playoff implications and a significant career milestone to celebrate, the No. 48 team is focused on delivering a strong performance on race day.
The Larger Impact of Scheduling Changes on NASCAR’s Future
The possibility of shifting the All-Star Race to Dover and removing its points race is emblematic of NASCAR’s evolving approach to maintaining fan interest and competitive balance. A rotation of marquee events across multiple tracks could help modernize the series and introduce fresh dynamics while preserving historic venues like Dover and North Wilkesboro.
For Bowman and others who value the current structure, these changes present a mixture of hope and unease. How NASCAR balances the heritage of classic tracks with the demands of a changing sport will be a key storyline going forward, with the 2026 schedule serving as a significant milestone in this transformation.
