Dover Motor Speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, marking the first time in decades that there was no points race at the iconic track. While the 2027 NASCAR schedule won't be determined for months, there is early discussion about Dover's plans for next season.
Sunday night's episode teardownJordan Bianchi, motorsports reporter for The Athletic, said that Dover would "100 percent" have a Cup Series race next season and that it would most likely be a single-point race.
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"There's going to be a race next year at Dover, that's clear as day. There's a 100 percent chance there will be a race next year... I would say highly likely it's a points race."
Jordan Bianchi on whether there will be a NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway in 2027
The Monster Mile in Dover, Delaware was one of the biggest losers last year when NASCAR announced its schedule for the 2026 season. With North Wilkesboro getting the points race, another spot was clinched in the exhibition race during the season.
NASCAR officials chose Dover. Due to the nearby Dover Air Force Base, resulting in flight restrictions over the track, the All-Star Race could only be held in the afternoon. While racing fans still showed up in large numbers, drivers and fans alike criticized Sunday's All-Star Race as feeling too long, with Dover's track design not matching well with the format of the event.
The good news is that Dover is going to host the points race again in 2027. It's less clear what changes NASCAR would need to make to make that happen. It has already been announced that the Chicago Street Race will return next year, possibly replacing Chicagoland.
The points race at Dover could mean the All-Star Race will return to North Wilkesboro. Alternatively, NASCAR could hold the All-Star Race at Bowman Gray Stadium, or even run it ahead of the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Whatever decision is made, it looks like Dover will get a worthy points race in 2027.
