Dover International Speedway, previously Dover Downs International Speedway, is a race track in Dover, Delaware, with a seating capacity of 95,000. Since 1969, it has hosted at least one NASCAR Cup Series race every year. Melvin Joseph built it for Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, Inc. in 1969. It was initially created with an asphalt surface, but later, the surface was replaced with concrete.
The track capacity of Dover International Speedway was increased to 135,000 seats giving the venue the largest seating capacity compared to any sports venue in the mid-Atlantic region. The venue’s name was changed in 2002 to Dover International Speedway. This track was constructed primarily for auto racing and horse racing and took three years to be completed, with the first race on the track taking place on July 6, 1969.
The track has been nicknamed “The Monster Mile,” with “Miles the Monster” as the speedway’s official mascot. The mascot is featured on the trophy for the winner, website, memorabilia, the track’s tickets, and the Monster Monument of nearly 46 feet. Currently, the races that take place at the venue include NASCAR Cup Series – Drydene 311 (Saturday and Sunday), NASCAR Xfinity Series Drydene 200 (Saturday and Sunday), NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series – KDI Office Technology 200, and ARCA Menards Series East – General Tire 125. The race lap record is held by Denny Hamlin, who completed the lap in 21.559 seconds in 2019.