Dover Motor Speedway, often called the “Monster Mile,” remains one of NASCAR’s most punishing tracks—with steep concrete banking and a rhythm that rewards consistency as much as aggression. Since February 2022, five drivers have stood out for their ability to tame Dover’s demanding layout with top-tier results.
Ahead of the 2025 AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400, here’s a look at the five NASCAR Cup Series drivers with the best average finish at Dover over the last three races, alongside a reminder of how they fared in last year’s showdown.
Who’s Best at the Monster Mile?
Here are the five Cup Series drivers who’ve delivered the most consistent results at Dover since February 2022:
Martin Truex Jr.
Truex Jr.’s 2023 win at Dover was a long-awaited return to victory lane, and his steady performances in the two other recent races have positioned him as the most reliable driver at this track over the past three events. He led 142 laps across those starts, and his worst finish was a solid 12th.
Ross Chastain
Chastain has led more laps at Dover (184) than anyone on this list besides Hamlin. Although he hasn’t sealed a win, his consistent presence inside the top 10 keeps him in the conversation every time the Cup Series rolls into Delaware.
Chase Elliott
The 2020 Cup champion has quietly built a strong Dover résumé. A win in 2022, combined with back-to-back top-five finishes, gives Elliott the same average finish as Chastain—5.7. His ability to maintain pace late in races has made him a contender on this high-grip surface.
Alex Bowman
Despite only two Dover appearances since 2022, Bowman’s 6.5 average finish includes a runner-up result. While he’s been dealing with ups and downs elsewhere, Dover has remained a bright spot for the Hendrick Motorsports driver.
Denny Hamlin
Hamlin owns the best single-race performance in this span: his 2024 Wurth 400 win, where he led 136 laps and held off a hard-charging Kyle Larson. With 207 laps led in three races, no one has dominated more up front—making his 9.0 average more impressive given one off-race that pulled his stats down.
| Rank | Driver | Avg Finish | Races | Wins | Laps Led | Worst Finish |
| 1 | Martin Truex Jr. | 5.3 | 3 | 1 | 142 | 12 |
| 2 | Ross Chastain | 5.7 | 3 | 0 | 184 | 12 |
| 3 | Chase Elliott | 5.7 | 3 | 1 | 73 | 11 |
| 4 | Alex Bowman | 6.5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| 5 | Denny Hamlin | 9 | 3 | 1 | 207 | 21 |
Flashback: 2024 Wurth 400 Recap
Last year’s race at Dover offered a little bit of everything—lead changes, late drama, and a strong statement from Denny Hamlin. Hamlin led a race-high 136 laps and fended off Kyle Larson to capture his third win of the 2024 season.
Martin Truex Jr. finished third, Chase Elliott came home fifth, and Alex Bowman slotted into eighth—all reinforcing why they continue to thrive at the Monster Mile. Ross Chastain, meanwhile, finished 12th—his worst at Dover since 2022 but still within striking range.
In total, there were 12 lead changes among nine different drivers, and five cautions kept pit strategy tight throughout the afternoon.
What to Expect at the 2025 AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400
With Dover’s 2025 race now rebranded under a new title sponsor, expect the same aggressive short-track intensity. Tire falloff, long green-flag runs, and the right pit call at the right time can all decide who stands in victory lane. For drivers like Truex Jr., Hamlin, and Elliott, the stats suggest they’ll once again be in the hunt.
News in Brief: Top 5 Drivers at Dover Motor Speedway
Five drivers have separated themselves at Dover Motor Speedway since 2022, with Martin Truex Jr., Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and Denny Hamlin boasting the best average finishes. Hamlin enters this weekend’s 2025 AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 as the defending race winner after leading 136 laps at last year’s Wurth 400. With past winners and consistent contenders returning, fans can expect another strategic battle at the Monster Mile.
ALSO READ: Dover Motor Speedway’s 2025 NASCAR Schedule Brings Major New Partnerships and Action
