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DOVER, DELAWARE - JULY 20: Chase Briscoe, driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, and Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, lead the field on a pace lap prior to the NASCAR Cup Series AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway on July 20, 2025 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series returns to Dover Motor Speedway this weekend for the 2026 BetRivers 200, the 14th points-paying race of the season. The race takes place Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. ET on The CW, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Teams now move from Watkins Glen’s road course to the concrete oval known across NASCAR as the “Monster Mile.”

Dover Motor Speedway remains one of the toughest tracks on the schedule because of its steep banking, rough surface, and demanding tire wear. The official NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entry list features 39 cars, meaning one team will fail to qualify for the race.

Cup Series driver Ross Chastain headlines the field as playoff contenders, rookies, and veteran teams prepare for a critical weekend in the 2026 NASCAR season.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Entry List Brings Ross Chastain to Dover

Ross Chastain joins the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series field in the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. The Cup Series driver makes his fifth start of the 2026 season in the series and his second race in the No. 9 car. Earlier this year at Darlington, Chastain finished 14th in the same entry.

The 39-car NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entry list also includes several major playoff contenders. Sheldon Creed returns in the No. 00 for Haas Factory Team, while Justin Allgaier drives the No. 7 for JR Motorsports. Austin Hill, Sam Mayer, and Jesse Love also enter Dover Motor Speedway as strong contenders for the BetRivers 200 victory.

Allgaier enters the Dover NASCAR race with one of the strongest records in the field. He owns multiple wins and poles at Dover Motor Speedway and remains one of the top oval racers in NASCAR. Creed has consistently demonstrated strong speed on intermediate tracks during the 2026 NASCAR season.

Dover Motor Speedway and the Monster Mile Continue to Test NASCAR Drivers

Dover Motor Speedway continues to challenge drivers every season because of its concrete surface and narrow racing groove. The Monster Mile often produces tire issues, heavy contact, and long green-flag runs that punish mistakes.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series field includes several young drivers hoping to improve their playoff standings before the season reaches its midpoint. Carson Kvapil continues his rookie campaign in the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet backed by Bass Pro Shops. William Sawalich, Corey Day, Taylor Gray, and Brent Crews also return as rising talents looking for strong finishes at Dover Motor Speedway.

Veteran experience could also become important during the Dover NASCAR weekend. Harrison Burton, Brandon Jones, and Ryan Sieg all bring years of experience racing at the Monster Mile, where patience and strategy often decide the race winner.

Several smaller organizations also appear on the official entry list. Josh Bilicki, Garrett Smithley, Jeremy Clements, and Rajah Caruth enter the weekend alongside Young’s Motorsports, Jordan Anderson Racing, and DGM Racing.

With 39 cars competing for 38 spots, NASCAR qualifying on Friday might lead to early disappointment before the race even begins.

NASCAR Playoff Standings Add Pressure Before BetRivers 200

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season now approaches the midpoint of its 33-race schedule, making every finish more important in the playoff standings. A strong result at Dover Motor Speedway could provide major momentum heading into the summer stretch.

Chastain’s appearance also brings added attention to the BetRivers 200 as he searches for his first win in the series since 2019. Dover Motor Speedway’s history of crashes, tire wear, and surprise finishes could make Saturday’s race one of the most unpredictable events of the NASCAR weekend.

The Dover schedule also includes the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 on Friday and the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race on Sunday. Still, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race remains one of the biggest storylines because of the loaded entry list and growing playoff pressure.

With one team guaranteed to miss the field and the Monster Mile known for chaos, the BetRivers 200 already carries major tension before cars even hit the track.