Dover International Speedway
Encyclopedia
Dover International Speedway is a NASCAR
-sanctioned 1 miles (1.6 km) race track
located in Dover, Delaware
, owned by, and serving as the corporate headquarters of, Dover Motorsports, Inc. It is co-located with a harness racing
track, Dover Downs
, and shares the complex with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. At one time both the entertainment complex and the speedway were owned by the publicly traded Dover Downs Entertainment, but they have since been split into two separate companies. Among NASCAR enthusiasts, the track has earned the nickname of "The Monster Mile".
In February 2002, Dover Downs Entertainment changed its name to Dover Motorsports following the spin-off of its gaming operations to its existing shareholders. As a result, the name of the track was changed from Dover Downs International Speedway to Dover International Speedway. Dover Motorsports, Inc. continues to maintain its corporate headquarters at the racetrack.
Dover is unique in many ways. It is exactly one mile long; technically this means that it is neither a superspeedway nor a short track
. The speedway surface is concrete; most NASCAR track surfaces are asphalt (Dover was at one time an asphalt track, however; it wasn't until the mid-1990s that the asphalt surface was replaced with concrete). Dover is one of three concrete ovals used in NASCAR's three major series; Bristol Motor Speedway
and Dover's sister track Nashville Superspeedway
are the others (Dover and Bristol are the only two of the concrete tracks used by the Sprint Cup Series as Nashville has yet to receive a premier series date since its 2001 opening, despite hosting Nationwide, Truck, and IndyCar races).
The racetrack is home to the third race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and celebrated its 40th anniversary during the 2008 season.
At one time the Winston Cup (now Sprint Cup Series) races held here were 500 miles (804.7 km) long until a NASCAR rules change limited 500 miles (804.7 km) races to being held only at tracks over a mile in length; the current Sprint Cup Series races here are 400 miles (643.7 km) in distance. Dover also hosted Indy Racing League
races in 1998 and 1999 won by Scott Sharp
and Greg Ray
.
Dover Motorsports owns Dover International Speedway and several other motorsports facilities, including Nashville Superspeedway
, Gateway International Raceway
in St. Louis and Memphis Motorsports Park
. The Dover Motorsports ownership is one of only three publicly held ownership groups of NASCAR tracks, the other two being International Speedway Corporation
, controlled by NASCAR's founding France family and owners of the Talladega
and Daytona
tracks, among others, and Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
, led by Bruton Smith, which owns Charlotte Motor Speedway
and Texas Motor Speedway
, among others. Aside from these three ownership groups, NASCAR tracks are privately held by one or a few individuals.
The first phase of construction included a new skybox complex, a revamped and expanded media center, and several other capital improvement projects around the facility. Phase I of construction was completed in June 2007.
The second phase of construction which started in 2008, improvements included the addition of the 46 feet (14 m) Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, presented by American Automobile Association
– a larger-than-life sculpture of Dover’s signature icon Miles the Monster – an expanded FanZone display area, and continued beautification of the entire facility.
The Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, presented by AAA, is one of the largest fiberglass structures in the country. The monument stands 46 feet (14 m) tall, and depicts Dover’s signature icon Miles the Monster. Over 200 granite plaques circle the base of the structure and are dedicated to legendary drivers who have made their mark on the Dover International Speedway record books.
The new, 7.8 acres (31,565.5 m²), FanZone display area features fan experiences, sampling, interactive attractions, driver appearances and more. It’s free and open to the public every day of race weekend.
The third phase of construction began in mid-December 2008 in which crews removed the existing 1160 ft. inside steel retaining wall that separated pit road from the apron and concrete racing surface. The demolition makes way for a new 1592 ft. concrete wall that will be fully equipped with a SAFER barrier.
The new inside retaining wall will be 432 ft. longer than the previous configuration and will be extended further into Turn 4, allowing the track to add a 43rd pit stall for competitors. The wall will also be set nearly five feet closer to the track apron, eliminating all grass on the frontstretch, while providing more space in the drive lane of pit road. A large plot of grass was also removed in Turn 4 to make way for the new entrance to pit road.
The first and second races with this format saw Jimmie Johnson lead 569 out of the 800 total laps that year. The second race also saw Joey Logano
flip 7 times in turns three and four.
* from minimum 10 starts.
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
-sanctioned 1 miles (1.6 km) race track
Race track
A race track is a purpose-built facility for racing of animals , automobiles, motorcycles or athletes. A race track may also feature grandstands or concourses. Some motorsport tracks are called speedways.A racetrack is a permanent facility or building...
located in Dover, Delaware
Dover, Delaware
The city of Dover is the capital and second largest city in the U.S. state of Delaware. It is also the county seat of Kent County, and the principal city of the Dover, Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Kent County. It is located on the St. Jones River in the Delaware...
, owned by, and serving as the corporate headquarters of, Dover Motorsports, Inc. It is co-located with a harness racing
Harness racing
Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait . They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although racing under saddle is also conducted in Europe.-Breeds:...
track, Dover Downs
Dover Downs
Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment ownes Dover Downs Hotel & Casino a hotel and casino that has a racing facility that holds harness horse racing on a track and NASCAR events on a concrete surface. The Sprint Cup track is now known as Dover International Speedway, and the Dover Downs name is...
, and shares the complex with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. At one time both the entertainment complex and the speedway were owned by the publicly traded Dover Downs Entertainment, but they have since been split into two separate companies. Among NASCAR enthusiasts, the track has earned the nickname of "The Monster Mile".
In February 2002, Dover Downs Entertainment changed its name to Dover Motorsports following the spin-off of its gaming operations to its existing shareholders. As a result, the name of the track was changed from Dover Downs International Speedway to Dover International Speedway. Dover Motorsports, Inc. continues to maintain its corporate headquarters at the racetrack.
Dover is unique in many ways. It is exactly one mile long; technically this means that it is neither a superspeedway nor a short track
Short track motor racing
In North American auto racing, particularly with regard to NASCAR, a short track is a racetrack of less than one mile in length. Short track racing, often associated with fairgrounds and similar venues, is where stock car racing first got off the back roads and into organized and regulated...
. The speedway surface is concrete; most NASCAR track surfaces are asphalt (Dover was at one time an asphalt track, however; it wasn't until the mid-1990s that the asphalt surface was replaced with concrete). Dover is one of three concrete ovals used in NASCAR's three major series; Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway, formerly known as Bristol International Raceway and Bristol Raceway is a NASCAR short track venue located in Bristol, Tennessee. Constructed in 1960, it held its first NASCAR race on July 30, 1961...
and Dover's sister track Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway is a motor racing complex located in Gladeville, Tennessee , United States, about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. On August 2, 2011, it was announced that Nashville Superspeedway will not host any NASCAR events in 2012. It is a concrete oval track 1 1/3 miles in...
are the others (Dover and Bristol are the only two of the concrete tracks used by the Sprint Cup Series as Nashville has yet to receive a premier series date since its 2001 opening, despite hosting Nationwide, Truck, and IndyCar races).
The racetrack is home to the third race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and celebrated its 40th anniversary during the 2008 season.
At one time the Winston Cup (now Sprint Cup Series) races held here were 500 miles (804.7 km) long until a NASCAR rules change limited 500 miles (804.7 km) races to being held only at tracks over a mile in length; the current Sprint Cup Series races here are 400 miles (643.7 km) in distance. Dover also hosted Indy Racing League
IndyCar Series
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and...
races in 1998 and 1999 won by Scott Sharp
Scott Sharp
Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League....
and Greg Ray
Greg Ray
Greg Ray is a former IRL IndyCar Series driver.After winning the SCCA national Formula Atlantic championship in 1993, he moved up to the CART-sanctioned Toyota Atlantic series in 1994....
.
Dover Motorsports owns Dover International Speedway and several other motorsports facilities, including Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway is a motor racing complex located in Gladeville, Tennessee , United States, about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. On August 2, 2011, it was announced that Nashville Superspeedway will not host any NASCAR events in 2012. It is a concrete oval track 1 1/3 miles in...
, Gateway International Raceway
Gateway International Raceway
Gateway Motorsports Park is a race track in Madison, Illinois, USA, just east of St. Louis, Missouri. After being shuttered by former owner Dover Motorsports Inc., on Nov. 3, 2010, it was announced Sept. 8, 2011, that the facility would re-open and host an NHRA Full Throttle Series event Oct. 5-7,...
in St. Louis and Memphis Motorsports Park
Memphis Motorsports Park
Memphis International Raceway is an auto racing park located across the Loosahatchie River from Memphis, Tennessee, approximately ten miles south of Millington, Tennessee. The facility opened in 1987 with a drag strip and 1.8-mile road course...
. The Dover Motorsports ownership is one of only three publicly held ownership groups of NASCAR tracks, the other two being International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation is a corporation whose primary business is the ownership and management of NASCAR race tracks. ISC was founded by NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr. in 1953 for the construction of Daytona International Speedway and in 1999 they merged with Penske Motorsports to...
, controlled by NASCAR's founding France family and owners of the Talladega
Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway is a motorsports complex located north of Talladega, Alabama, United States. It is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base just outside the small city of Lincoln. It was constructed by International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the France Family, in...
and Daytona
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
tracks, among others, and Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. or SMI is an American corporation that owns and manages racing facilities that host NASCAR, IZOD IndyCar Series, NHRA, WoO other racing series. The company's headquarters are located at Charlotte Motor Speedway, in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC. SMI owns nine racing...
, led by Bruton Smith, which owns Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, United States 13 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The complex features a quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Sprint All-Star Race...
and Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway is a speedway located in the northernmost portion of the U.S. city of Fort Worth, Texas – the portion located in Denton County, Texas....
, among others. Aside from these three ownership groups, NASCAR tracks are privately held by one or a few individuals.
The Monster Makeover & The Monster Monument at Victory Plaza
In May 2006, Dover International Speedway announced plans for the “Monster Makeover", a multi-year capital improvement project that will continue to bring new fan amenities and renovations to the 135,000-seat motorsports facility.The first phase of construction included a new skybox complex, a revamped and expanded media center, and several other capital improvement projects around the facility. Phase I of construction was completed in June 2007.
The second phase of construction which started in 2008, improvements included the addition of the 46 feet (14 m) Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, presented by American Automobile Association
American Automobile Association
AAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
– a larger-than-life sculpture of Dover’s signature icon Miles the Monster – an expanded FanZone display area, and continued beautification of the entire facility.
The Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, presented by AAA, is one of the largest fiberglass structures in the country. The monument stands 46 feet (14 m) tall, and depicts Dover’s signature icon Miles the Monster. Over 200 granite plaques circle the base of the structure and are dedicated to legendary drivers who have made their mark on the Dover International Speedway record books.
The new, 7.8 acres (31,565.5 m²), FanZone display area features fan experiences, sampling, interactive attractions, driver appearances and more. It’s free and open to the public every day of race weekend.
The third phase of construction began in mid-December 2008 in which crews removed the existing 1160 ft. inside steel retaining wall that separated pit road from the apron and concrete racing surface. The demolition makes way for a new 1592 ft. concrete wall that will be fully equipped with a SAFER barrier.
The new inside retaining wall will be 432 ft. longer than the previous configuration and will be extended further into Turn 4, allowing the track to add a 43rd pit stall for competitors. The wall will also be set nearly five feet closer to the track apron, eliminating all grass on the frontstretch, while providing more space in the drive lane of pit road. A large plot of grass was also removed in Turn 4 to make way for the new entrance to pit road.
The first and second races with this format saw Jimmie Johnson lead 569 out of the 800 total laps that year. The second race also saw Joey Logano
Joey Logano
Joseph Thomas "Joey" Logano , nicknamed "sliced bread" by Randy LaJoie, is an American stock car auto racing race car driver who currently drives the #20 Home Depot Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series and the #20 GameStop/Sport Clips Toyota Camry in the Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs...
flip 7 times in turns three and four.
Miles the Monster
The speedway's signature icon is called "Miles the Monster" which is a concrete monster spawned from the track's nickname, "The Monster Mile." The monster is featured on the winner's trophy, the track's tickets, memorabilia, website, and of course, the 46 feet (14 m) Monster Monument. A previous nickname that the track had was the "White Lightning."Current Races
- Sprint Cup Series - FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks
- Sprint Cup Series - AAA 400
- Nationwide Series - 5 Hour Energy 200
- Nationwide Series - Dover 200
- Camping World Truck Series - Lucas Oil 200
- NASCAR Camping World East Series - Sunoco 150
Records
- NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Sprint Cup Series Qualifying: Jeremy MayfieldJeremy MayfieldJeremy Allen Mayfield is a former NASCAR driver who last competed in 2009 due to legal troubles and an indefinite suspension by NASCAR. Prior to 2009, Mayfield drove cars for the Sadler Brothers, T.W. Taylor, Cale Yarborough, Michael Kranefuss, Roger Penske, Ray Evernham, Bill Davis, and Gene Haas...
, 22.288 sec. (161.522 mph), 2004 - NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Sprint Cup Series Race: Mark Martin, 132.719 mi/h, September 21, 1997 - NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Nationwide Series Qualifying: Kyle BuschKyle BuschKyle Thomas Busch, is an American NASCAR driver and team owner. He currently drives the No. 18 Mars/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, the No. 18 Z-Line Designs/NOS Energy Drink Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs in the Nationwide Series, and the No...
, 22.752 sec. (158.228 mph), May 15, 2010 - NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Nationwide Series Race: Brian VickersBrian VickersBrian Lee Vickers is a American NASCAR driver. He was the 2003 Busch Series champion, and at age 20, became the youngest champion in any of NASCAR's three top-tier series...
, 133.154 mi/h, September 20, 2003 - NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Camping World Truck Series Qualifying: David StarrDavid StarrDavid Starr is an American stock car driver. He currently drives the #95 WRL General Contractors/TWD Drywall/B&D Electrical/Fenton Motor Group Ford Fusion for Leavine Fenton Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series part-time and the #81 Zachry Holdings, Inc. Toyota Tundra for SS-Green Light Racing...
, 22.846 sec. (157.577 mph), 2005 - NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Camping World Truck Series Race: Ted MusgraveTed MusgraveTheodore Musgrave is an American race car driver.-Pre-NASCAR:Musgrave's father, Elmer, was a famous short-track racer in the Midwest who raced for over 25 years at Soldier Field, O'Hare, Waukegan, and Wilmot, Wisconsin before moving into asphalt late models in the American Speed Association and...
, 104.545 mi/h, May 31, 2002
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Records
(As of 9/26/10)| Most Wins | 7 | Bobby Allison Bobby Allison Robert Arthur Allison is a former NASCAR Winston Cup driver and was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers. His two sons, Clifford Allison and Davey Allison followed him into racing, and both died within a year of each other.... , Richard Petty Richard Petty Richard Lee Petty is a former NASCAR driver who raced in the Strictly Stock/Grand National Era and the NASCAR Winston Cup Series... | Most Top 5s | 22 | Mark Martin Mark Martin Mark Martin may refer to:* Mark Martin , American racecar driver* Mark Martin , American cartoonist* Mark Martin , American judge* Mark Martin , British murderer... |
Most Top 10s | 30 | Mark Martin Mark Martin Mark Martin may refer to:* Mark Martin , American racecar driver* Mark Martin , American cartoonist* Mark Martin , American judge* Mark Martin , British murderer... |
Starts | 56 | Ricky Rudd Ricky Rudd Ricky Rudd is a former American NASCAR driver. He is the uncle of actor Skeet Ulrich and Nationwide Series driver Jason Rudd. Rudd is known as the "Iron Man" of NASCAR; holding the record for most consecutive starts in NASCAR racing. At the conclusion of the 2005 season, Rudd had made 788... |
Poles | 6 | David Pearson | Most Laps Completed | 23387 | Ricky Rudd Ricky Rudd Ricky Rudd is a former American NASCAR driver. He is the uncle of actor Skeet Ulrich and Nationwide Series driver Jason Rudd. Rudd is known as the "Iron Man" of NASCAR; holding the record for most consecutive starts in NASCAR racing. At the conclusion of the 2005 season, Rudd had made 788... |
Most Laps Led | 2800 | Bobby Allison Bobby Allison Robert Arthur Allison is a former NASCAR Winston Cup driver and was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers. His two sons, Clifford Allison and Davey Allison followed him into racing, and both died within a year of each other.... |
Avg. Start* | 2.7 | David Pearson | Avg. Finish* | 7.7 | Carl Edwards Carl Edwards Carl Michael Edwards, II is a NASCAR driver. He currently drives the #99 Fastenal/Aflac Ford Fusion in the Sprint Cup Series and the #60 Ford in the Nationwide Series for Roush Fenway Racing... |
USAC Championship Car history
| Season | Date | Race Name | Winning Driver | Chassis | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | August 24 | Delaware 200 | Art Pollard Art Pollard Art Pollard , was an American racecar driver.Born in Dragon, Utah, Pollard died in Indianapolis, Indiana as a result of injuries sustained in practice for the 1973 Indianapolis 500. The car clipped the wall coming out of turn one and did a half-spin as it headed to the grass on the inside of the... |
Gerhardt | Plymouth Plymouth Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound... |
Indy Racing League history
| Season | Date | Race Name | Winning Driver | Chassis | Engine | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | July 18 | Pep Boys Pep Boys The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack , branded as Pep Boys Auto and commonly abbreviated as Pep Boys, is a full-service and tire automotive aftermarket chain.... 400K |
Scott Sharp Scott Sharp Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League.... |
Dallara Dallara Dallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993... |
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory... |
Kelley Racing Kelley Racing Kelley Racing is a former Indy Racing League team founded by Fort Wayne, Indiana-based car dealer Tom Kelley that most notably fielded a Delphi sponsored car for Scott Sharp during its entire existence from 1998 to 2004... |
| 1999 | August 1 | MBNA MBNA MBNA Corporation was a bank holding company and parent company of wholly owned subsidiary MBNA America Bank, N.A., headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, prior to being acquired by Bank of America in 2006... Mid-Atlantic 200 |
Greg Ray Greg Ray Greg Ray is a former IRL IndyCar Series driver.After winning the SCCA national Formula Atlantic championship in 1993, he moved up to the CART-sanctioned Toyota Atlantic series in 1994.... |
Dallara Dallara Dallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993... |
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory... |
Team Menard Team Menard Team Menard was an auto racing team in the Indianapolis 500 and Indy Racing League owned by John Menard. From 1991 to 1996 they modified their own Buick V6 engines for racing. This combination won pole for the 500 with Scott Brayton in 1995 and 1996; Tony Stewart used this combination for the first... |
External links
- Dover International Speedway Official Site
- Dover International Speedway Page on NASCAR.com
- High Resolution image from Google Maps