Overview
- NASCAR replaced the traditional Open with a single 350-lap main split into 75, 75, and 200 laps that advances only 26 drivers to the final segment.
- Automatic spots go to 2025 and 2026 race winners, full-time former Cup champions, and the Fan Vote winner, with the rest set by lowest combined finishes across the first two segments.
- Qualifying adds a Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge in which a one-lap run flows into a four-tire stop with total time from green to checkered setting order and pit selection.
- Frontstretch reports all 36 entries will start at Dover, with 19 already locked for the 200-lap finale, including Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott.
- Fan voting remains open with up to five votes per day per email, a 9 a.m. ET cutoff on race day, and a one-time NASCAR Fan Rewards bonus, with Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher, Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece, and Connor Zilisch among current leaders.