Dale Earnhardt Jr., Others Ponder NASCAR All-Star Race’s Future

August 5, 2026 - 02:36

The NASCAR All-Star Race may be heading back to North Wilkesboro in 2027, though nothing is official yet. The historic short track hosted the exhibition event from 2023 through 2025 before it received a regular points race on the schedule in 2026. This year, Dover Motor Speedway took over the All-Star duties, but that arrangement appears to be temporary.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other voices in the sport have started to question what the All-Star Race should look like moving forward. The event has always been about trying new formats and giving fans something different, but some believe it has lost some of its identity in recent years. Earnhardt has been vocal about the importance of keeping the race at venues that create a unique atmosphere, and North Wilkesboro certainly delivered on that front when it hosted the event.

The return of North Wilkesboro to the schedule was a major story, and the All-Star Race there felt like a celebration of stock car racing history. The packed crowds and the throwback vibe made it stand out. Moving it to Dover for 2026 was a change, but the buzz was not quite the same.

Now, with 2027 on the horizon, the conversation is shifting again. Some drivers have said they enjoy the variety of moving the race around, while others prefer a permanent home that can build its own traditions. The lack of an official announcement has not stopped the speculation, and it seems everyone has an opinion on where the All-Star Race belongs.

Whatever the decision, the goal remains the same: put on a show that feels special for the fans and rewards the drivers who earned their way in. The All-Star Race has always been a bit different, and that is exactly why it matters.