Champions caught in Dover crash as Preece admits error
Teams for Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney work to repair cars for final stage after collision initiated by Ryan Preece
A nine-car collision on Lap 2 of the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover International Speedway has disrupted the early stages of the event, involving three former Cup Series champions. The incident was triggered by Ryan Preece, who clipped Todd Gilliland during three-wide racing coming down from the top of the track near Turn 4.
The crash involved 2025 Cup champion Kyle Larson, 2023 champion Ryan Blaney, and 2020 champion Chase Elliott. Also caught in the chain reaction were drivers Daniel Suarez, Cole Custer, John Hunter Nemechek, and Michael McDowell. Preece’s No. 60 Ford for RFK Racing struck the wall hard and caught fire, bringing his race to an immediate end.
Preece was treated and released from the infield care centre following the impact. Speaking on FS1 after the incident, he acknowledged responsibility for the wreck. "If it was my fault, I'm sorry," Preece said, admitting the collision was likely his error.
Under the All-Star Race format, past champions are "locked in" to the event, allowing them to re-enter even if their vehicles are damaged. Consequently, crews for Blaney’s No. 12 Ford and Larson are actively attempting repairs to their cars to enable them to return to the track for the final stage.
The incident highlights the volatile nature of the exhibition race, where high speeds and multiple cars racing side-by-side often lead to significant on-track incidents. While Preece’s day is over, the focus now shifts to whether the repair efforts for Larson and Blaney can be completed in time for the closing segment of the Dover event.
