After months of planning and preparation, the 2019 NASCAR season is finally here. With the checkered flag waving and the smoke clearing, the action-packed season is finally upon us. Fans can now look forward to the excitement that is the ‘Great American Race’ as well as other special events sprinkled throughout the season.
One such event is the Dover International Speedway. Located in Delaware, the Dover International Speedway is home to one of the most historic races in the nation, the Dover International Speedway 500. Annually, in September, thousands of fans come together to support their favorite drivers as they take on the challenge of racing across the pond to England. In addition to the Dover International Speedway, the track hosts a number of other special events throughout the year including, but not limited to, the AAA Insurance 500. This is a prestigious racing event that honors the memory of Roger Penske, a legendary figure in the world of motorsports who passed away this year at the age of 92. Naturally, his family and friends wanted to celebrate his life and dedication to racing by hosting this event at the track he founded in 1969.
The 2019 NASCAR season kicks off in earnest on March 5th with the Daytona 500. As the first race of the season, fans are eagerly looking forward to a weekend filled with excitement. The Daytona 500 in particular is a special event known for its spectacular pre-race festivities as well as the actual racing itself. This year is no different as the Daytona 500 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in decades. With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, the number of fans in attendance is expected to be significantly lower than in years past. However, the enthusiasm among those in attendance will remain at a fever pitch for the entire duration of the race.
Pit Stop At Dover
One attraction at the Dover International Speedway is the pit stops. These are the areas where the drivers and their crews change tires and perform other tasks before and after the cars race. Depending on the distance of the race and the number of pit stops, the length of the pit stops can vary.
With only a few exceptions, all of the pit stops at the Dover International Speedway are one-stop-shops. This means all of the tires, fuel, and uniforms are provided in one area for the participants to change in. In many cases, the pit stops are even located near the backstretch where fans can get a good look at their cars during their pit stop. Changing tires and performing other tasks during the pit stop is essential as it gives the crew a brief chance to stretch their legs and get some air while also providing the opportunity for the drivers to come together away from the public for a few moments to discuss their next move.
While some drivers make multiple stops during the race, there is only one pit stop at the Dover International Speedway so crews must be mindful not to exceed their stop time.
The Tradition Of The Great American Race
The glory days of the Great American Race surely lie in its past. Before the advent of television, the ‘Great American Race’ was something that fans had to wait for in excruciating suspense. Since its inception in 1949, the event has grown in both size and scope each year, attracting more and more fans each year. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is one of the only major sporting events that is not subject to television networks’ restrictions on live sports. Therefore, it is available for fans to watch whenever and wherever they please.
This is in stark contrast to other major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament, and the FIFA World Cup tournament. These events are all currently available for fans to see live and in real time via their television sets, mobile devices, or online streaming services. While most of these platforms provide unrestricted and fair access to content, some of the events, notably the Dover International Speedway, are not available for free. This is due, in part, to the high demand for these types of tickets and the luxury of being able to charge people to view a sporting event. In most cases, tickets for the NASCAR races are not available on retail sites, making them a coveted commodity among fans.
Other Special Events At The Dover International Speedway
Besides the Dover International Speedway 500, the track also hosts a variety of other special events throughout the year. One of the most exciting is the AAA Insurance 500. This prestigious event, first held in 1969, honors the memory of Roger Penske, a legendary figure in the world of motorsports who passed away this year at the age of 92. Naturally, his family and friends wanted to celebrate his life and dedication to racing by hosting this event at the track he founded in 1969.
In addition to the AAA Insurance 500, the track hosts the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 500, the Lucas Oil Mid-Ohio 300, and the Lucas Oil Speedway 400. Each of these events provides fans with an exciting last hurrah for drivers and spectators alike. With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, restrictions were put in place regarding spectator attendance. However, in order to maintain the smooth flow of commerce during a time of need, the events that are held at the Dover International Speedway have modified their format. The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 500 and the Lucas Oil Speedway 400 are the only two events currently open to the public. In most cases, fans are not allowed to attend these events unless they are part of the press corps.
The Future Of The Great American Race
With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, the future of the Great American Race is certainly in doubt. While hundreds turned out for the last couple of events this season, it is unclear how many more will be willing to travel across the nation to attend one of the most important motorsports events of the year. With teams and drivers limited by the guidelines set forth by the government, the entire season could wind up being a glorified training session.
However, even before the pandemic, the world of motorsports was already under threat. Rising costs coupled with diminishing audiences threatened the very existence of the event. Despite these hardships, the Great American Race continues to hold on. In 2021, the Dover International Speedway 500 will mark the 100th anniversary of the event. Naturally, celebrations will be on full display throughout the season as the world looks back on the history books to see how far this iconic event has come.