The highly anticipated NASCAR 2025 Dover Cup Series schedule features the 56th annual AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on Sunday, July 20, at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware. This event is marked as the 21st race of the Cup Series season, as well as the fourth race of the new NASCAR In-Season Challenge, and will be broadcast nationally on TNT Sports and PRN starting at 2 p.m. ET.
This weekend will see the Next Gen car making its fourth competitive appearance at the renowned Monster Mile—a one-mile concrete oval with steep banking, known for intense racing and challenging drivers through 400 laps divided into three distinct stages. The first two stages are 120 laps each, followed by a 160-lap final stage to bring the competition to a thrilling finish.
The Monster Mile’s Storied Legacy and Star Drivers
Dover Motor Speedway, often called the Monster Mile due to its demanding layout with 24 degrees of banking in the turns, has hosted memorable races since its inaugural event in 1969, when Richard Petty claimed the first victory. Since then, it has become a critical stop for Cup Series drivers seeking points and prestige each season.
Among star competitors, NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson stands out as the event’s most successful driver, boasting six wins on this track. Bobby Allison follows closely with five triumphs, underscoring the competitive nature of the race. The defending winner, Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing and the #11 Toyota, returns this year aiming to defend his title after last season’s victory.
Weekend Event Schedule and Activities
The full schedule spans three days, each filled with practice, qualifying, and racing action across multiple series. Friday, July 18, opens with the ARCA Menards Series practice at 1:40 p.m. ET, then qualifying at 2:40 p.m. ET, and the General Tire 150 ARCA race at 5 p.m. ET.
Saturday, July 19, focuses on both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Cup Series. Xfinity practice starts at 11 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 12:05 p.m. ET. Cup Series drivers take the track for practice at 1:35 p.m. ET and qualifying at 2:45 p.m. ET, with the BetRivers 200 Xfinity Series race concluding the day at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Sunday, July 20, is dedicated to the main event: the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400, launching at 2 p.m. ET, where 37 drivers will battle across 400 laps for crucial championship points and a coveted win in this prestigious race.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect at Dover in 2025
This season’s visit to Delaware represents a significant moment in the NASCAR Cup Series, with the schedule drawing in top talent and heightened fan anticipation. The inclusion of the race within the In-Season Challenge intensifies competition as teams adjust their strategies for the midseason points battle. With iconic drivers like Jimmie Johnson, past winners Richard Petty and Bobby Allison, and current stars such as Denny Hamlin entering the fray, the 2025 Dover weekend is expected to be highly competitive. Fans can look forward to an electric atmosphere and the potential for history to be made once again at the Monster Mile.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is NASCAR faster than F1?
A. Although F1 cars have superior speed, NASCAR provides a type of racing that is just as competitive, unexpected, and rich in tradition.
Q. What does NASCAR mean?
A. NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.
Q. Who’s faster, NASCAR or F1?
A. Even with the power of the Bugatti supercar, the F1 car’s advanced launch control and design gave it an early advantage. Additionally, having former F1 driver David Coulthard as the driver was beneficial. The RB7 completed the quarter-mile in 9.2 seconds, while the Chiron finished in 9.6 seconds.
Q. What does NASCAR do?
A. NASCAR, short for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC, is a U.S. organization that manages and runs car races, especially stock car races.
