Dover Motor Speedway

Dover Motor Speedway, also known as “Monster Mile”, is going to organize the upcoming CUP series and Xfinity series races. Opened in 1969, the track has not only organized NASCAR CUP series races but also hosted the USAC and Indy Racing League. Located in Dover, Delaware the track is owned by Speedway Motorsports. After its renovation in 2009, the track was given the nickname, “The Monster Makeover” with its extended facilities.

HISTORY

Dover Motor Speedway, often referred to as “The Monster Mile,” was established in 1969 in Dover, Delaware. This high-banked, one-mile concrete oval was designed to host NASCAR events, and its first race, the Mason-Dixon 300, took place on July 6, 1969. The speedway was initially constructed with asphalt and later converted to concrete in 1995, a rare feature among NASCAR tracks, enhancing its reputation for toughness and high-speed action.

Throughout its history, Dover Motor Speedway has undergone several significant enhancements to improve the experience for fans and participants alike. In addition to the track surface conversion, the venue added lights, although it continues to host primarily daytime races. The speedway boasts a seating capacity of around 54,000, having been reduced from over 135,000 to accommodate modern sports viewing trends and improve fan experience.

Dover Motor Speedway is known for hosting two NASCAR Cup Series races annually: one in the spring and the other in the fall. These events are pivotal in the NASCAR calendar, often impacting championship outcomes. The track is also famous for the “Monster Monument,” a 46-foot-tall statue of Miles the Monster, the track’s mascot, which stands at the Victory Plaza and symbolizes the track’s challenges.

Dover Motor Speedway has played a significant role in the local community and motorsports at large. It has contributed significantly to the local economy, drawing race fans from across the nation, and has been a pivotal venue for NASCAR’s growth. The track is also used for other events, including music festivals and community gatherings, showcasing its versatility and importance as a community hub.

TRACK INFORMATION 

Dover Motor Speedway, commonly known as “The Monster Mile,” is a premier NASCAR track located in Dover, Delaware. Renowned for its one-mile concrete oval, the speedway stands out due to its surface and configuration. The track features steep banking, with 24-degree turns that allow for high-speed racing and 9-degree banking on the straightaways, enhancing the track’s overall challenge. Originally surfaced with asphalt, the switch to concrete in 1995 has significantly influenced the racing dynamics, impacting tire wear and vehicle handling.

The track’s width of 48 feet facilitates intense side-by-side racing action, though the concrete surface and steep banks require precision driving. With a current seating capacity of about 54,000, down from over 135,000, the speedway has adjusted to modern spectatorship trends, focusing on improving the fan experience. Facilities at Dover Motor Speedway are designed to enhance spectator enjoyment, featuring extensive fan zones, concession areas, and the iconic Monster Monument at Victory Plaza—a tribute to the track’s mascot and the challenges it presents.

Dover’s design makes it one of NASCAR’s most physically demanding tracks. Its high banks tend to “self-clean” during accidents, as crashes typically slide down to the bottom of the track, reducing obstructions but increasing the severity of impacts. Beyond NASCAR, Dover Motor Speedway also hosts a variety of other events, including music festivals, underscoring its role as a versatile and vital community hub. This combination of unique track features and community engagement ensures Dover remains a key venue in the world of motorsports.

CUP SERIES RECORDS