Dover International Speedway is making history this weekend as it hosts the NASCAR All-Star Race for the very first time, and the excitement kicked off with an extended 90-minute practice session on Friday. The one-mile concrete oval saw all 36 entries hit the track without any major incidents, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend ahead.
Kyle Larson wasted no time making a statement, topping the speed charts with a blistering lap of 22.792 seconds (157.95 mph). The Hendrick Motorsports driver quickly jumped to the top of the leaderboard and never looked back, showcasing the kind of form that has made him a perennial contender in the sport.
Michael McDowell impressed with the second-fastest overall time, but more importantly, he was the quickest among drivers not yet locked into the final segment. For context, the All-Star Race features a unique 350-lap format where ten drivers will be eliminated before the final segment. Every 2025 and 2026 race winner, along with full-time former Cup champions, are already guaranteed a spot in Segment 3, adding extra pressure for the rest of the field to perform.
Behind Larson and McDowell, the top five was rounded out by Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Ty Gibbs—a mix of veteran savvy and young talent that promises an exciting race. Busch led the way in five-lap averages, but it was Carson Hocevar who dominated the long-run speeds, topping charts in ten-lap, 15-lap, 20-lap, 25-lap, and 30-lap averages. That kind of consistency could be a game-changer in a race where strategy and tire management are key.
Ross Chastain was the first driver to break the 23-second barrier, but Larson's early pace proved untouchable for the remainder of the session. Drivers also took the opportunity to practice pit entries and box positioning, which will be critical in this weekend's unique qualifying format. A close call between Bubba Wallace and Shane van Gisbergen on pit road was avoided, keeping the session clean.
Ryan Blaney, the fastest Ford driver in single-lap speeds, had a brief scare when he reported a flat left-rear tire, but he made it back to the garage without incident. The only real drama came when Chase Briscoe brushed the outside wall exiting Turn 2, causing right-side damage to his No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Despite the setback, Briscoe led all drivers in laps completed, turning 101 circuits around the concrete oval.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Dover's first All-Star Race—a unique challenge that rewards both raw speed and strategic savvy. Whether you're cheering for a locked-in veteran or a driver fighting for a spot in the final segment, this weekend promises high-octane action every step of the way.