Ryan Preece’s hopes of a $1 million payday in Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway went up in flames, literally, before he really even got a chance to compete. Preece attempted to change lanes deep in the pack, received contact from behind, and went for one hell of a ride into the outside SAFER Barrier.
As Preece’s No. 60 RFK Racing Ford Mustang pounded the outside wall, the rear of the car burst into flames, as other cars piled into the crash.
We're got some early trouble in the All-Star Race. pic.twitter.com/XvCZG5kVnK
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 17, 2026
Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson received quite a bit of damage, as did Ryan Blaney, who had to pull his No. 12 Team Penske Ford behind the wall for repairs.
After being evaluated and released from the infield care center, Preece confirmed that he was okay after the intense impact into the outside wall.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I seem to take big hits,” Preece explained.
After seeing a replay, Preece was unable to tell if he was at fault for the crash, but said if he caused the crash, he apologizes to everyone involved.
“Yeah, I mean, if it was my fault, I’m sorry,” Preece said. “So, tough way to not finish a race on Lap 1. Yeah, just move on to Charlotte.”
In all, nine drivers were involved in the Lap 2 melee, which put the All-Star Race under a red flag.
The full list of drivers involved:
- 5 – Kyle Larson
- 7 – Daniel Suarez
- 9 – Chase Elliott
- 12 – Ryan Blaney
- 34 – Todd Gilliland
- 41 – Cole Custer
- 42 – John Hunter Nemechek
- 60 – Ryan Preece
- 71 – Michael McDowell
Larson, Elliott, and Blaney are all locked into the final segment of the All-Star Race, but if their cars are unable to get back on track by the end of segment two, they will forfeit their position in the All-Star final segment, which would open up positions for additional drivers looking to race their way into the big show.
