Dover International Speedway

Kent County · dedicated 2019 · 99 Plaza Drive, Dover

The Speedway hosted its first NASCAR event, the Mason-Dixon 300, on July 6, 1969. Richard Petty won that race by 6 laps. The highly-banked, one-mile oval track was created, financed, and built by Gov. David P. Buckson, Lt. Gov. John W. Rollins, and Melvin L. Joseph beginning in August 1967. Nicknamed the “Monster Mile” for its punishing impact on cars and drivers, speeds on the track can reach 170 mph. The track surface was changed from asphalt to concrete before the 1995 racing season. Auto racing legends Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, David Pearson, and Cale Yarborough have all seen success at Dover.

David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

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