Dover Motor Speedway: NASCAR Track Facts


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Darlington might be the track too tough to tame, but Dover challenges that title every year. It is known fo rthe toll it takes out of both cars and drivers, and even though there have been modifications throughout the years its still a track that driver keep a wary eye on as it draws closer.

Below we have as many facts as you should ever need about the Dover Motor Speedway and the monster mile! Whether you are going or watching on TV there should be something you don’t know, or that you never knew you needed to know about Dover Motor Speedway here.

If you are looking for other track facts we have them listed in the table below, they all follow a similar format and we are working through to get them all up before the end of the season ( 2022) so stay tuned!

NASCAR Track Facts links

Los Angeles ColiseumDaytona International SpeedwayLas Vegas Motor Speedway
Auto Club SpeedwayPhoenix RacewayMartinsville Speedway
Atlanta Motor SpeedwayCircuit of The AmericasDarlington Raceway
Bristol Motor SpeedwayTalladega SuperspeedwayDover Motor Speedway
Kansas SpeedwayTexas Motor SpeedwayCharlotte Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayWorld Wide Technology RacewaySonoma Raceway
Nashville SuperspeedwayRoad AmericaNew Hampshire Motor Speedway
Pocono Raceway

Dover Motor Speedway Facts.

Below you will find, hopefully, everything you need to know about this aptly named Monster Mile Speedway of NASCAR speedways: Dover Motor Speedway Feel free to update or let us know anything we may have missed.


Where is Dover Motor Speedway?

The track is located just off U.S. Route 13, In Dover, Delaware – about two hours from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and three hours from Washington, D.C. It is often the first of the Northern Tracks in a NASCAR Cup Series.


How Long Is Dover Motor Speedway.


Dover Motor Speedway, commonly known as Dover Downs, is a one-mile concrete oval motor racing track in Dover, Delaware. It was previously Asphalt up until 1995. It has 24 degree banking in the turns and 9 degrees banking on the Straights.


Who owns Dover Motor Speedway?

The speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports. Who acquirred the track in 2021. They also own and operate many other Iconic NASCAR tracks including Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Sonoma Motor Speedway.


What is The Configuration of Dover Motor Speedway?

The track is a 1 mile traditional oval racetrack with 24-degree banking in the turns and 9 -degree banking on the straights.. The Track is considered a tough track for both drivers and their cars and this has earned it the nickname the monster mile!


What is the Trophy for Winning a NASCAR Race at Dover Motor Speedway?

Dover Motor Speedway has embraced its nickname of the “monster Mile” and created a mascot based on it. To take it a step father they then created the winners trophy in its image. How the winning driver not only takes the prize money, but also gets a 2 ft tall Miles the monster trophy with their car in its grasp. It is cool looking for sure, but not sure its a trophy that’s going on the Mantelpiece.


What is the Nickname of Dover Motor Speedway

As we mentioned above Dover has a cool nickname, it is known for being a hard racing track and is called the monster mile. See why below.


What are The Lap Records at Dover Motor Speedway?

The current NASCAR lap record at Talladega is unlikely to be broken and has been held by Bill Elliot ( father of chase Elliot) since 1987. It was in the days before restrictor plates and the cars were running the fastest they ever had.

Bill Elliott did the 2.66 miles of the Talladega track in 0.44.998 for the official lap record. Since the restrictions that has never been beaten, although Rusty Wallace did go faster in an official lap that same year.

SeriesDriverTimeYear
NASCARDenny Hamlin21.559 Seconds2019
IndyCarMark Dismore19.711 seconds1999
XfinityErik Jones22.7392016
Truck SeriesBrett Moffit22.3032019

What Kind of Weather Conditions Does Dover Speedway Experience?

With Dover bing a little further north than most NASCAR races at this stage of the season it often has pleasant mild weather between 15 and 20 degrees. Perfect racing weather, for the fans at least.


How Much do NASCAR tickets cost at the Dover Motor Speedway

The ticket price range for Dover usually start at $35 -$167 for general admission depending where the seat is located, You can pay more for suites and weekend passes of course.

Camping and RV parking and hosting will also add to these prices.


When Was Dover Motor Speedway Constructed?

It was originally built in 1969 by Melvin Joseph of Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, with the assistance of Curtis Turner. The aim when it was constructed was to host both Auto racing and horseracing. It took three years to complete once it was started in 1966 and the first race was won by Richard Petty ( who else) in 1969.


How Many NASCAR Cup Races are held at Dover Motor Speedway?

The speedway has been home to two NASCAR Sprint Cup races since 1971, Prior to this is was just a single cup race a year. These races, as of 2022 have reverted back to one a year called the DuraMAX Dydene 400 which is in May. It also has an ARCA and a Xfinity race on the same weekend.


Why is Dover Motor Speedway called the Monster Mile?

Dover International Speedway was initially nicknamed the “Monster Mile” due to the wear it put on both cars and drivers. There were some races that teams had a relief driver who may be called on to finish the race, those drivers that did finish were often exhausted.

The reasons are the differences in pressure and loading on the car as it travels round, it puts pressure on the car in different areas, and pressure on the drivers in their upper body.

There have been improvements made to the track that have attempted to address the difficulty. Race lengths have dropped from 500 to 400 miles, this happened in 1997, and the track was resurfaced with concrete in 1995.

However Dover is still one of the most difficult tracks despite its small size and one that drivers approach with caution. It certainly lives up to its nickname the “Monster Mile” as it will bite the unwary.


Is Dover Motor Speedway a NASCAR Short Track?

Although NASCAR Defines a short track as a track less than one mile in length, people often do refer to Dover as a Short Track. The track is one of five short tracks to hold a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, and one of only three (the other two being Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway) to host all three of NASCAR’s top touring series.


Who won the First NASCAR Cup race at Dover Speedway?

The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was held on June 4, 1971, won by David Pearson. Previously exhibition events ahde been run, the first being won by Richard Petty.


What changes has Dover Motor Speedway had?

The track has been lengthened and widened several times since its original construction, most notably in 1995 when the turns were banked at 24 degrees (instead of 15), and the frontstretch was lengthened by 133 feet (40.6 m). In addition in 1995 the track was resurfaced with concrete, having previously been asphalt.


What other Motor Sports have been run at Dover Motor Speedway?

In 1993, the truck series began racing at Dover Downs, followed by the IndyCar Series in 1995. The track has also hosted ARCA, ASA, equipment and Goody’s Dash races. The speedway is one of the few tracks to host all three of NASCAR’s top series in the same weekend, doing so for the first time in 1994. The track is also one of a handful of oval tracks to host both the IndyCar Series and NASCAR.


What awards has Dover Motor Speedway won?

Dover International Speedway has been named one of the “Top 10 Motorsports Venues” in the world by USA Today and one of the “Top 5 NASCAR Tracks” by NASCAR.com.


What is the Seating Capacity of Dover Motor Speedway?

The track has a seating capacity of 95,000 currently, though this has changed at different times throughout the years.

Bristol Motor speedway dover motor speedway


Does Dover Motor Speedway Have Lighting for Night Racing?

Dover does not have lights for night racing. There are only five tracks that do not have lights in the current Cup series season. Talladega, New hampshire, Pocono and Michigan and dover. Due to the proximity of an Airforce base to the track they are unable to install lights at the racetrack.


How Many Laps are in a Race at Dover Motor Speedway ?

The NASCAR Cup Series races at Dover are 400 laps, This was lowered from 500 a few years ago due to the stresses of racing at this tough track.


How Long is a Race at Dover Motor Speedway?

The race in distance is 400 miles at Dover Motor Speedway, however in time as it has changed from 500 to 400 miles is different.

  • The record time for 500 miles is held by Bill Elliott at 3 hours 58 minutes and 12 seconds
  • The record time for 400 miles is held by Kyle Larson at 2 hours 56 minutes and 49 seconds.


Dover Motor Speedway Track records

Dover NASCAR RecordDriverRecord
Most WinsJimmie Johnson11 Wins
Most top 5 placesMark Martin24
Most Top 10 PlacesMark Martin33
Most Pole PositionsDavid Pearson6
Youngest winnerChase Elliot22 Years old
Oldest winnerHarry Gant52 Years old
NASCAR Lap recordDenny Hamlin21.559
Courtesy of WikipediaOpens in a new tab.

What is the Banking on Dover Motor Speedway?

Dover Motor Speedway is a one mile Oval Track, and its banking is 24-degree banking in the turns. the straightaways are 9 degree banking.


How can I get tickets to the Dover Motor Speedway?

Tickets for the Cup series NASCAR Races and other NASCAR races can be purchased online at the speedway’s website or by calling the ticket office.


What is the Address of Dover Motor Speedway

The address of Dover Speedway is 131 North Dupont Highway,
Dover, Delaware, 19901


Can you Camp or bring an RV to the Talladega Superspeedway?

Yes, you can camp or bring an RV to the Dover Speedway. Camping and RV spots can be reserved through the speedway’s website.


What are the Rules for Bringing a Pet to the Dover Speedway ?

Pets are not allowed in the grandstands, but they are allowed in the camping areas. All pets must be on a leash at all times. Service animals are permitted.


Does the Dover Motor speedway have Wifi ?

Yes, Dover Motor Speedway has wifi all through its seats. It also went through an upgrade in 2016.


What is the Phone Number for the Dover Motor speedway?

The phone number for the speedway is 1-800-441-RACE


What Food and Drink Concessions Do They have at Dover Speedway?

Dover has a wide variety of food and drink concessions. Some of the options include hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chicken, sandwiches, salads, soft drinks, beer, and wine. . You can bring your own food, beer and drinks too. Just make sure your cooler is 14x14x14 and soft sided, see below.


Can you bring Coolers to Dover Motor Speedway?

Coolers are allowed to be taken into dover speedway as long as they are soft sided (we have an article on the details here) and you can bring food and drinks inside the speedway. You are allowed to bring your own beer also, just don’t bring glass bottles. Coolers should be 14″ x 14″ x14″ inches. See the article above for what style you are allowed.


Do you need Seat Cushions At Dover Speedway?

No, seat cushions are not required at Dover. However, they are allowed and we have details on the best ones here.

Is There an Age Limit For Entering the Dover speedway

There is no age limit for entering the Dover Motor Speedway. However, children under the age of 12 the cup series races cost just 10 dollars ( call in advance though) and children under 12 can go to NASCAR Xfinity / Truck races as well for free! To buy alcohol you will need to have ID and be over 21.

We suggest ear protection for little ears though.


What is the Policy For Wheelchair users at Dover speedway?

Dover is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in grandstands. There is also parking assigned. Lift are wheel chair accessible.


What Should I Bring To The Dover Motor speedway?

Some items that you may want to bring to the Dover races include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, binoculars, and comfortable shoes.

You can also bring a cooler ( special size see here) with your own food and drinks.


What Time Should I Arrive At The Dover Motor speedway?

Dover Motor speedway has events throughout the race days starting at around 9am, if you would like to see them then arrive before this time.

Arriving early also helps you avoid the queues if you are planning on getting food and drinks prior to the Green flag.


Conclusion

Hopefully you have all the information you need for your visit to Monster Mile NASCAR track, and have a great day! Enjoy!

Roy

Al lifelong Motor Racing Fan, with a particular love of NASCAR and IndyCar racing. Been in and out of cars of varying speeds since i was a child and sharing what i have learnt here.

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