Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson recently criticized NASCAR’s decision to relocate the All-Star race from North Wilkesboro Speedway to Dover Motor Speedway, speaking out during an episode of the Never Settle podcast with Marty Smith. Johnson voiced his concerns about the change amid the 2026 Cup Series schedule announcement that also included two off-weeks for the drivers.
NASCAR revealed the upcoming season‘s schedule last month, highlighting the move of the All-Star race venue and the addition of two breaks for competing drivers. This shift prompted Johnson to publicly challenge the racing organization’s reasoning, particularly questioning the suitability of Dover Speedway as the new venue for the high-profile event.
Jimmie Johnson Critiques the All-Star Race Venue Change
Johnson, despite his history of success with 11 wins at Dover Motor Speedway, conveyed a strong message that moving the All-Star race to Dover is a poor decision mainly due to poor attendance figures and safety risks associated with the track. He emphasized the importance of the driver experience and the high stakes of the All-Star race, where intense competition and aggressive driving are key elements.
“Attendance has been down. The driver experience on that track is top-shelf, like, every driver loves that place. I think in an All-Star race, you want to put the drivers in a position to rough each other up. I mean, there’s a million on the line; it should be five. A million dollars was a lot of money, and money—that’s the point I’m trying to make. I mean, it’s worth the investment for somebody somewhere.” —Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
“And you need to track that somebody will crash the guy in front of him for $5 million. ‘It’s not Dover; I mean, they’ve hurt people,’ he added.” —Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
Johnson’s remarks underscore his concerns about Dover’s history of injurious incidents, which contrasts with the competitive and aggressive racing style expected at the All-Star event. In comparison, Kyle Busch currently holds the record for most Cup Series wins at Dover with three victories, making the track well-known but controversial as a choice for such a marquee race. The 2026 All-Star race is scheduled for July 19 at Dover Motor Speedway, marking a significant change in the event’s traditional home.
Addressing Team Leadership Rumors: Johnson Responds to Maury Gallagher Claims
Earlier in the 2025 season, Jimmie Johnson faced allegations related to his role in Legacy Motor Club‘s leadership changes, particularly regarding co-owner Maury Gallagher. In an interview with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass, Johnson denied any intent to force Gallagher out of the team following Kingthead Capital Management LLC’s entrance as a minor investor, while Johnson held a majority stake.
“It might look that way, but, well, I guess maybe I’m reacting to cleaning house because it wasn’t. I didn’t clean Maury out.” —Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner
“That’s been tough, and went through a lot of that during the course of the season. I was really surprised when I spoke to Maury towards the end of last year that he was just in a different place in life and didn’t want so much the day-to-day and wanted to give me that opportunity. And he just wants to come and eat a hot dog and hang out and have his headphones.” —Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner
Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club currently fields two vehicles in the Cup Series. John Hunter Nemechek pilots the #42 Toyota Camry XSE, while Erik Jones drives the #43 Toyota Camry XSE. The team is also entangled in legal disputes with Rick Ware Racing concerning a charter agreement, adding further complexity to Johnson’s role as a team leader and owner.
What the Venue Switch Means for NASCAR’s Future
Johnson’s objections highlight the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in NASCAR’s scheduling and venue choices. The move of the All-Star race to Dover Speedway brings attention to concerns about driver safety, fan engagement, and the financial stakes tied to one of the sport’s most important events. As the season approaches, drivers and fans alike will watch closely how these decisions affect the racing experience and overall excitement of the Cup Series.
With Johnson’s public discontent and the spotlight on Dover’s track conditions, NASCAR faces pressure to balance commercial interests with the sport’s competitive integrity and the safety of its participants. The developments leading up to the 2026 All-Star race will likely influence how the organization approaches future scheduling and venue decisions.
