Dover Motor Speedway
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4.0(24)yelp
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Overview
Dover Motor Speedway (known as the Dover International Speedway from 2002 to 2021 and as the Dover Downs International Speedway from 1969 to 2001) is a 1.000 mi (1.609 km) oval track in Dover, Delaware. The venue has hosted major events since its inaugural season in 1969, including NASCAR and IndyCar races. It has a 54,000-seat capacity as of 2022.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeThe premier time to visit is during the annual NASCAR race weekend, typically held in late April or early May, to experience the full adrenaline of the sport. On non-race days, stop by in the late afternoon just before sunset to photograph the iconic, massive 'Miles the Monster' statue in dramatic lighting.
Getting ThereDriving is the standard route via US-13 north of Dover (or exit 95 off DE-1), which connects directly to the speedway's expansive race-day parking fields. During major race weekends, special DART express shuttle buses operate frequently from major Dover transport hubs and regional hotels.
Travel Tips
- During NASCAR Race Weekends, US-13 and SR-1 surrounding the speedway undergo severe directional closures and lane conversions. Through-traffic without grandstand tickets must proactively detour via I-95 or US-113 to bypass 2-hour multi-mile delays; ticket holders must arrive 4 hours early to access designated turf overflow lots.
- Gate security implements an uncompromising bag-screening policy: soft-sided coolers must not exceed 14x14x14 inches in size. Rigid hard-shell plastic iceboxes, glass beverage containers, and professional camera tripods exceeding structural size gates are strictly denied entry and turned back at the turnstiles.
- The unique concrete high-banked construction of 'The Monster Mile' echoes high-frequency decibels that spike past 120 dB, capable of causing irreversible acoustic damage. Every attendee, particularly children, must wear professional industrial noise-canceling earmuffs or headsets rated NRR 25+ to sit in grandstands.
Reviews
Positive
- The race atmosphere at 'The Monster Mile' is electric, and the high-banked concrete track offers unmatched visual thrills.
- The massive 'Miles the Monster' monument outside is an iconic photo spot, and the fan zones are fun and engaging.
- Security, crowd control, and emergency evacuation management during major race weekends are well-handled and safe.
- Allowing fans to bring their own small coolers with drinks and snacks into the grandstands is incredibly accommodating.
Heads up
- Traffic on race day is a prolonged nightmare, with roads leading in and out gridlocked for hours after the event.
- The grandstand seating is narrow and dated, with cramped legroom making long race viewings quite uncomfortable.
- Food, drinks, and official merchandise inside the speedway are exorbitantly expensive, offering low value for money.
- Restrooms run into massive lines mid-race, leading to declining cleanliness and overflowing trash bins.