Dover Motor Speedway
Dover Motor Speedway, affectionately nicknamed the “Monster Mile,” is a renowned one-mile concrete oval racing track located in Dover, Delaware. Since its opening in 1969, it has been a fixture in American motorsports, notably hosting NASCAR Cup Series races annually. The speedway is celebrated for its challenging high banking and physically demanding racing, drawing top-tier drivers and passionate fans from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
History
The idea for Dover Motor Speedway originated in the 1960s, conceived by Delaware businessman and construction magnate Melvin L. Joseph, who sought to create a premier racing facility on the East Coast. Construction began in 1966, with the track completed and opened in 1969 as Dover Downs International Speedway, initially featuring an asphalt surface. Its debut event was the NASCAR Grand National Series Mason-Dixon 300 on July 6, 1969, won by NASCAR legend Richard Petty.
Originally designed for both horse racing and motor racing, the facility hosted thoroughbred harness racing on the infield alongside NASCAR events. However, by 1971, the speedway removed non-NASCAR events to focus exclusively on stock car racing. Through the 1970s and 1980s, Dover expanded its seating and added NASCAR Xfinity Series races, solidifying its status as a key NASCAR venue.
In 1995, the track underwent a major transformation when its racing surface was converted from asphalt to concrete to improve durability and racing conditions. Dover thus became only the second NASCAR Cup Series track with a fully concrete surface after Bristol Motor Speedway. In the late 1990s, the race distances were reduced from 500 miles to 400 miles to enhance competition. The track also briefly hosted an Indy Racing League event in 1998 and 1999.
Between 2007 and 2009, Dover underwent an extensive renovation dubbed “The Monster Makeover,” enhancing fan amenities and infrastructure. Ownership changes included Speedway Motorsports, Inc. acquiring the speedway in late 2021, after which the facility was officially renamed Dover Motor Speedway.
Most Famous Races Held
Dover Motor Speedway has consistently hosted at least one NASCAR Cup Series race annually since 1969, famously known for its spring and fall Cup Series events that draw intense competition. The track also holds NASCAR Xfinity Series races and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events, providing a full slate of NASCAR national series racing.
Notable moments include dominant performances by Richard Petty and many NASCAR legends, as well as memorable challenges posed by the track’s demanding concrete surface and high banking. The race weekend atmosphere is amplified by “Miles the Monster,” Dover’s official mascot, symbolizing the track’s tough and relentless character.
Track Information
The speedway is a 1.03-mile (1.66 km) oval with four turns, banked steeply at 24 degrees in the corners and 9 degrees on the straights. Its concrete surface, used since 1995, differentiates it as one of NASCAR’s few concrete tracks, impacting tire wear and car setups. The track’s relatively narrow racing groove and high speeds require drivers to maintain precision and stamina over the 400-lap races.
At its peak capacity in 2001, Dover could accommodate 135,000 spectators, making it one of the largest sporting venues in the Mid-Atlantic. The facility features modern grandstands, hospitality suites, garages, and fan amenities enhanced during recent renovations. The location’s proximity to major East Coast cities contributes to its strong fan support.