NASCAR’s return to Dover Motor Speedway is set for July 18–20, 2025, promising high-speed action and strategic challenges as drivers shift back from road course events to the demanding concrete oval. The NASCAR Dover 2025 weekend schedule is packed with ARCA, Xfinity, and Cup Series racing, but looming rain forecasts could shape the outcome throughout the Monster Mile’s three-day slate.
Three Days of Racing: What’s on Tap at Dover
The festivities begin on Friday, July 18, when the ARCA Series launches the weekend with a full slate of practice, qualifying, and the General Tire 150 race, with coverage on FS1. Action ramps up on Saturday as the Xfinity Series drivers take to the track for practice and qualifying, followed by a main event in the BetRivers 200. NASCAR Cup Series teams will also get their first sessions on Saturday, with both practice and qualifying airing on TruTV and radio partners PRN and SiriusXM.
On Sunday, fan focus turns to the NASCAR Cup Series, starting with a pre-race show on TNT at 1:30 p.m. ET. The main event on the NASCAR Dover 2025 weekend schedule, the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400, is set for a 2:00 p.m. ET green flag and coverage via TruTV, HBO MAX, PRN, and SiriusXM. Notably, the Truck Series will not be in action this weekend at Dover.
Detailed Dover Schedule for 2025 Race Weekend
Here is a breakdown of the anticipated events and broadcast details for each day of racing at Dover Motor Speedway:
Friday, July 18:
- 1:40 p.m. ET – ARCA Series Practice
- 2:40 p.m. ET – ARCA Series Qualifying
- 5:00 p.m. ET – ARCA General Tire 150 (FS1)
Saturday, July 19:
- 11:00 a.m. ET – Xfinity Series Practice (CW App)
- 12:05 p.m. ET – Xfinity Series Qualifying (CW App)
- 1:35 p.m. ET – Cup Series Practice (TruTV, PRN, SiriusXM)
- 2:45 p.m. ET – Cup Series Qualifying (TruTV, PRN, SiriusXM)
- 4:30 p.m. ET – BetRivers 200 (CW App, PRN, SiriusXM)
Sunday, July 20:
- 1:30 p.m. ET – Cup Series Pre-Race (TNT)
- 2:00 p.m. ET – AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 (TruTV, HBO MAX, PRN, SiriusXM)
Race Formats and Key Events at the Monster Mile
The Xfinity Series BetRivers 200 on Saturday spans 200 laps, divided into two preliminary segments of 45 laps each and culminating in a demanding 110-lap final portion. This structure places a premium on pit strategy, with fuel and tire decisions potentially deciding the outcome in the closing laps.
The headline event, the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400, challenges Cup Series competitors over 400 laps. The race opens with a 120-lap first segment, continues with a 130-lap middle stretch, and reaches its climax with a final 150-lap run. The grueling nature of this marathon requires sharp decision-making from drivers and their teams alike, with endurance and adaptability coming to the fore.
Weather Concerns Loom Large Over Dover Weekend
Historically, Dover Motor Speedway has faced disruptions due to unpredictable weather, and forecasts for this year again signal possible delays across all three days. Friday brings a 50% chance of rain in the late afternoon with temperatures near 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Saturday offers some relief as precipitation chances dip to 30%, but Sunday’s outlook is more severe, with a 55% likelihood of rain threatening the completion of the Cup Series’ showcase event.
The absence of permanent lighting at Dover means significant downpours or delays could have a major impact on the NASCAR Dover 2025 weekend schedule. With race officers and teams keen to avoid disruptions, monitoring radar and weather updates will be crucial throughout the event.
Drivers to Watch and Recent Results
Denny Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, took the win at Dover in the 2024 Cup race, with Kyle Larson placing second behind the wheel of his chevrolet/”>Chevrolet. Among active Cup Series competitors, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman have displayed notable consistency at Dover, posting average finishes of 5.7, 5.7, and 6.5, respectively. Their strong track records could make them key contenders as this year’s action unfolds.
Significance of the NASCAR Dover 2025 Weekend
The Dover Motor Speedway event offers teams and fans a return to NASCAR’s traditional oval roots after recent road course battles. With strategic complexity, challenging weather, and a stacked field featuring top names like Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott, the NASCAR Dover 2025 weekend schedule promises high-stakes racing and unpredictable twists. Every team will be focused on adapting to both the Monster Mile’s unique demands and whatever the skies might bring as the action intensifies in July.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is NASCAR faster than F1?
A. Although F1 cars are quicker in all measurable aspects, NASCAR provides a motorsport experience that is just as competitive, unpredictable, 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 Bugatti supercar’s immense power, the F1 car’s launch control and design gave it an early advantage. Having ex-F1 driver David Coulthard piloting it was also beneficial. The RB7 completed the quarter-mile in 9.2 seconds, while the Chiron took 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 known for managing stock car racing events.
