Dover
International Speedway is a multi-purpose race track located in Dover, Delaware,
about equidistant from Philadelphia
(81 miles), Baltimore (93
miles), and Washington (95
miles). The one mile course, known as the Monster Mile,
seats 140,000. The raceway is mostly enclosed, and from the
upper deck you have a great view of the entire track.
Dover hosts
two NASCAR weekends of Nextel Cup and Busch racing, and harness racing
from November through April. The race stops are typically made in
June and September; see the NASCAR
Nextel Cup and
Busch schedules for dates. For ticket information, call
800-441-RACE.
The track also features over 2,000 slot machines in a huge casino,
with both traditional slot action and poker ranging from a nickel to $20
in price.
Security rules were tightened following September 11. You may
bring a cooler or bag not larger than 14 inches in width, which may contain
ice. You may also bring one additional clear plastic bag, not
larger than 18x18x4 inches; this bag may not contain ice. You can
also bring a seat cushion as well as scanners, cameras, binoculars, and
the like, provided it is carried around your neck or on your belt.
Glass, liquor, wine, strollers, umbrellas, large bags, and weapons
are prohibited.
Beer must be in a can and must be in a cooler; it cannot be carried
separately.
Traffic is brutal getting into and out of Dover on race weekend.
Plan to arrive early if you want to do any kind of tailgating. And
plan on getting home well after the race ends, after sitting on one of
Delaware's two-lane roads for several hours.
To avoid the traffic, consider staying in a
local hotel.
There is plenty of parking around Dover. In addition to
lots at the track, Delaware State is located across the street, and
offers parking around its football stadium.
