The Monster Mile

Lore & Background

The track opened in 1969 as a combined horse and auto racing facility under the control of David P. Buckson. The facility quickly faced financial troubles but was sustained by its NASCAR events and financial support from then-owner John W. Rollins. In 2002, ownership of the horse racing track and auto racing oval was split, with Dover Motorsports taking over the auto racing oval. In 2021, SMI acquired Dover Motorsports, taking control of the venue.

Reader's Guide

Dover Motor Speedway in its current form is measured at 1.000 mi (1.609 km), with 24° of banking in the turns and 9° of banking on the track's straightaways. Located within the speedway is a 5⁄8-mile horse racing track that is part of Bally's Dover, owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by the Bally's Corporation. As of 2022, the track has a permanent seating capacity of 54,000. Approximately 3,000 spots dedicated to camping are also available as of a 2023 report, including overnight camping as of 2025. At its peak, DMS had a capacity of 140,000 according to a 2005 article.

Did You Know?

• The track hosted its first NASCAR Cup race in 1969, with Richard Petty winning the Mason-Dixon 300.
• The track added a second Cup race in 1971.
• Miles the Monster has served as DMS's official mascot since 2000, originally introduced in 1990 as a tyrannosaurus rex.