About Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway, known to racing fans as "The Monster Mile," stands as one of NASCAR's most challenging tracks. Located in Dover, Delaware, this one-mile concrete oval has tested the skills of America's greatest drivers since 1969. The track combines high banking with a concrete surface to create racing conditions that demand precision, endurance, and bravery from competitors. Its reputation for difficulty has made it a fan favorite and a crucial stop on the NASCAR calendar for over five decades.
Track Design and Specifications
The Monster Mile features a perfect oval shape with four distinct turns and measures exactly 1.0 mile (1.609 km) in length. The track's most defining characteristic is its steep 24-degree banking in the turns, which forces drivers to maintain focus throughout each lap. The straightaways feature 9-degree banking, creating a continuous roller-coaster effect. Since 1995, drivers have raced on a concrete surface that replaced the original asphalt, making Dover one of only two concrete tracks in the NASCAR Cup Series alongside Bristol Motor Speedway. The racing surface measures 48 feet wide on straightaways and expands to 58 feet in the turns, allowing for multiple racing lines. Pit road extends 1,580 feet with a width of 47 feet, accommodating the technical pit stops that often determine race outcomes.
Historical Development
The speedway opened in 1969 as a dual-purpose facility for both horse racing and motorsports. The first NASCAR race occurred on July 6, 1969, with Richard Petty taking the checkered flag. An interesting early change happened after the inaugural season when officials moved the start/finish line from the backstretch to its current location, giving grandstand viewers a clear view of pit stops. The track focused exclusively on NASCAR events from 1971 forward. The concrete surface installation in 1995 marked a major upgrade that changed the racing dynamics permanently. Current seating capacity stands at approximately 54,000, reduced from previous configurations to enhance spectator comfort and viewing experiences.
Racing History and Records
Dover has hosted at least one NASCAR Cup Series race annually since 1969. For 50 years (1971-2020), the track featured two Cup Series races each season. The current NASCAR Cup event is the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400. Jimmie Johnson holds the record for most Cup Series wins at Dover with 11 victories, showcasing his mastery of the challenging circuit. Beyond NASCAR, the track has welcomed USAC and Indy Racing League events throughout its history. Dover belongs to an exclusive group of just ten tracks that have hosted 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races, cementing its place in motorsports history.
Unique Features and Cultural Impact
The track's mascot, "Miles the Monster," captures Dover's reputation for challenging even the best drivers. A 46-foot statue of this monster stands at the track entrance, greeting visitors and becoming an iconic photo opportunity. The speedway operates as part of a larger entertainment complex that includes Bally's Dover Casino Resort and a harness racing track. In 2001, Dover hosted the first NASCAR Cup Series race following the September 11 attacks, taking on special significance in American motorsports history. Speedway Motorsports (SMI) now owns the track, with Mike Tatoian serving as the current manager. The around 3,000 camping spots make race weekends a full fan experience beyond just the on-track action.
