Most fans will agree that there is more than one type of racing. You have your stock car races; your sprint car races; your midget car races; and even your monster truck races! However, there is one type of racing that tends to dominate the conversation; and that is the Dover Speedway. When someone mentions motorsport, chances are they are talking about the iconic gray oval known as “The Monster of Midland.”
For decades, fans have been making the trek up from New York City to see some of the best drivers in the world go head to head in a battle of speed and skill. This year will mark the 96th running of the annual race, which is considered by many to be the “Super Bowl” of motor racing. As the name would suggest, the speedway is located in Dover, New York, making it one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. It is home to some amazing racing cars, and the crowds that come to see these cars battle it out on the track are incredible.
So, what is unique about the Dover Speedway that makes it so special? As with most things in life, there is more than one reason why the speedway is so extraordinary. First off, the location. The Atlantic Ocean is just a few miles away, providing a scenic backdrop to many of the events. With the exception of the summer months, the temperature is cool, pleasant, and rarely gets above 80 degrees. In the summer, the mercury climbs, making it a fitting location for drivers from all over the world. Second, the track. If you are not familiar, the track at Dover is a left-hand oval. This means that the cars start on the right side of the track and the stands are on the opposite side. This unique layout creates an exciting contrast in angles that the drivers love, as they battle it out at high speeds. Finally, the people. The fans at the Dover Speedway are among the best in the world, willing to travel from far away places like Iceland, Italy, and South Africa just to see a race. The international flavor of the attendees is amazing, with fans coming from all over Europe and Australia. It is easy to see why this is the Mecca of NASCAR fans, as they make up a large part of the 500 or so attendees that come every year.
The History Of The Speedway
The story of the Dover Speedway is one of American ingenuity and industry, as the land was once nothing more than pasture and an overgrown field. In 1919, an enterprising group of businesspeople led by Eddie Rickenbacker purchased the land and began the arduous task of turning it into something suitable for a sports facility. The first event took place in June 1920, just four months after the end of World War I.
The field was initially known as “Rickenbacker Speedway” in honor of the group’s benefactor, who died in July of that year. Two years later, the moniker would be changed to “Dover Speedway,” which remains the name of the track to this day. However, most people know it simply as “The Monster of Midland.”
The first few years were difficult, as the construction crews faced harsh weather, poor soil, and financial setbacks that nearly caused the project to collapse. With the help of many experts and a lot of determination, the crews eventually finished the job and the track opened in 1931. That same year, the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) was born, with the speedway as its first project. It is now considered to be one of the greatest sporting venues of all time.
Since its inception, the track has hosted everything from auto races to motorcycle speed trials to even a circus sideshow! Some of the world’s greatest drivers have called the speedway home, including Benny Parsons, who died in a fiery car accident in 1960, and Junior Johnson, who passed away in 2005. The list of famous drivers that have taken the track to victory lane is incredible, including Jimmie “The Man” Johnson, Richard “The King” Petty, Curtis “Rainbow Warrior” Wilson, and more recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Evolution Of The Drivers’ Technology
The evolution of racing equipment is almost as fascinating as the sport itself. The drivers of today are much more technologically advanced, and they rely heavily on electronics and data to help them perform at their optimum levels. This trend started when fans began recording races on video tape, which in turn, helped create a demand for faster, more powerful cars. Naturally, the manufacturers obliged, churning out faster, more luxurious vehicles that were packed with sophisticated electronics and custom options.
These days, the speedway is filled with the modern marvels of automotive engineering, from the sleek and stylish vehicles that the world’s best drivers control effortlessly to the cutting edge technology that keeps the fans up-to-date with all the news and happenings in the sport.
The Grandstands
The grandstands at the Dover Speedway are a sight to behold. The bleachers that they are built upon were once occupied by spectators, many of whom would flock to the location in the summer months, as the temperature is good and the atmosphere is electric. In the winter, the track is usually deserted, with only a few season ticket holders and those watching on TV keeping each other company.
The first row of the seats is close to the track, providing an excellent view of the cars speeding past, while the remaining rows are located higher up, affording the spectators a better angle for viewing the action. The capacity of the grandstands has increased over the years, with the most recent expansion completing the circle in 2014, adding a 7th and 8th row of seating, pushing the overall capacity to over 14,000. In addition, there is a 9th row of seats that is located behind both the 7th and 8th, as well as a standing room only area that is in front of the grandstands. The stands are made of wood and steel, with a design that is somewhere between Art Deco and Americana.
The fans that attend the Dover Speedway are some of the most diehard, dedicated, and knowledgeable fans in all of motorsport. Just like the drivers, the technology at the speedway has evolved over the years, with many old-schoolers maintaining they will never give up their seats for the standing room only areas or purchase a VIP ticket for themselves.