A major multi-car crash early in the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway sent several drivers, including Ryan Preece, into the wall on Sunday, May 17.
The incident occurred in the opening laps but resulted in no serious injuries.
Preece, driving for Stewart-Haas Racing, described the impact as one of the hardest hits he has taken. Preece told reporters after the incident: “I seem to take big hits.” He has been involved in several notable crashes in recent seasons but has maintained a strong safety record with no major injuries.
All drivers involved climbed out of their cars under their own power. The race continued after a red-flag period for cleanup.
Video from the in-car camera and broadcast replays showed a chain-reaction wreck involving at least five cars in Turn 1, according to NASCAR. Debris was scattered across the track, forcing a caution. Preece’s No. 41 Ford sustained heavy damage to the right side.
The All-Star Race, a non-points exhibition event featuring NASCAR’s top drivers and recent race winners, is known for its high-intensity, no-holds-barred style. This year’s edition at the 1-mile concrete oval in Dover, Delaware, drew a packed crowd for the unique format, which includes multiple stages and a fan-voted element, per NASCAR.
Similar dramatic early crashes have become a hallmark of recent All-Star events. In 2024, a large pileup at North Wilkesboro eliminated several contenders in the first stage. The 2025 All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway also saw heavy contact and spins in the opening laps.
NASCAR’s Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, has significantly improved driver safety. The reinforced cockpit structure and advanced energy-absorbing barriers at tracks like Dover have helped prevent serious injuries in high-speed impacts. Officials reported all safety equipment performed as designed during Sunday’s wreck.
The race continued with the remaining field battling for the $1 million prize, per Marca. Kyle Larson, who was also involved in the early incident, returned to competition after repairs. The event is part of a busy weekend at Dover that includes the Cup Series race on Sunday afternoon.
