NASCAR Truck - Dover

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware, for the ECOSAVE 200. This marks the return of NASCAR truck racing to the famous one-mile concrete oval after the track last hosted the series from 2000 to 2020. Dover International Speedway, known by its nickname "The Monster Mile," presents a unique challenge for drivers and teams in the nascar-truck series with its concrete surface and demanding layout.

Dover Motor Speedway Track Characteristics

Dover Motor Speedway features a one-mile concrete oval configuration that tests both driver skill and equipment durability. The track surface changed from asphalt to concrete in 1995, creating the distinctive racing conditions that earned the facility its Monster Mile reputation. The turns feature 24 degrees of banking while the straightaways have 9 degrees of banking. The track measures 48 feet wide on the straights and expands to 58 feet in the turns, providing multiple racing lines for competitors.

The concrete surface at Dover creates different handling characteristics compared to asphalt tracks. This surface demands precise setup choices from teams and places significant physical demands on drivers throughout the race distance. The pit road at Dover extends 1,580 feet in length and spans 47 feet in width, accommodating the full field of trucks during pit stop sequences.

Technical Specifications for 2026

NASCAR trucks competing at Dover will utilize 750 horsepower engines, as the sanctioning body increases power output at tracks shorter than 1.5 miles. The short-track rules package includes a three-inch rear spoiler and fewer diffuser strakes compared to intermediate track configurations. These technical specifications aim to create competitive racing on the demanding Dover surface.

The NASCAR Cup Series will require A-post flaps at all tracks, a safety feature that prevents cars from lifting during spins. The material underneath these flaps must be bright orange for visibility. While this rule applies specifically to Cup Series vehicles, it demonstrates NASCAR's continued focus on safety innovations across all series.

Ram Trucks Enters the Series

Ram will enter the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as a manufacturer in 2026 with a five-truck program from Kaulig Racing. Justin Haley and Daniel Dye will pilot Ram trucks for the organization. This marks a significant expansion of manufacturer competition in the nascar-truck series. Daniel Dye returns to full-time truck series competition after spending 2025 in the Xfinity Series, bringing his experience back to the truck series with the new manufacturer program.

Dover Nascar-Truck Field Competitors

Christian Eckes returns to truck racing in 2026 with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing after previous series experience. Kris Wright will compete full-time in the Truck Series with the same organization. The series will see several driver changes as competitors move between NASCAR's three national series. The competitive field at Dover will showcase both veteran drivers and developing talent as they navigate the challenging concrete oval.

Dover International Speedway History

Dover Motor Speedway opened in 1969 as Dover Downs International Speedway, hosting its first NASCAR Cup Series race on July 6, 1969. Richard Petty won that inaugural event. The facility originally served dual purposes, hosting both horse racing and auto racing. The track became Dover International Speedway in 2002 before later adopting the Dover Motor Speedway name.

The concrete surface installation in 1995 transformed the racing characteristics at Dover. Track executive Denis McGlynn coined the "Monster Mile" nickname, referencing how the concrete surface proves harder on equipment than traditional asphalt. The track's seating capacity peaked at 135,000 in 2001 but has since been reduced to approximately 54,000 seats, reflecting modern facility configurations.

Unique Features of the Monster Mile

Miles the Monster serves as the track mascot, a 46-foot fiberglass statue of a red-eyed monster holding a stock car. This distinctive landmark welcomes fans to the facility. The Monster Bridge, a glass-enclosed structure over the third turn, provides a unique viewing perspective for spectators.

Dover stands as one of the few tracks to have hosted all three of NASCAR's top series during the same weekend. The physically demanding nature of the track challenges drivers throughout race distances. The concrete surface and banking combination creates a distinct racing environment found at few other NASCAR venues.

Fan Access and Information

Kids 12 and under receive free admission to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Dover when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Military personnel, first responders, law enforcement officers, teachers, and government service personnel can access special ticket pricing through GOVX. College students qualify for discounted ticket purchases.

The nascar-truck race at Dover International Speedway offers fans an opportunity to see the return of truck series competition to this historic facility. The combination of the challenging track layout, new manufacturer entries, and competitive driver lineup creates compelling racing action on the Monster Mile's concrete surface.