Sure, Dover International Speedway is just another one-mile racetrack on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit.
Well, maybe not just another… Dover is the only one-mile concrete track on the tour.
“Dover is one of only two concrete tracks on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule (the other is Bristol), and it offers its own set of challenges,” says Alba Colon, Sprint Cup manager for General Motors. “With a unique blend of speeds in excess of 175 mph, this one-mile oval has banking of nine degrees on its narrow straightaways and 24 degrees in its sweeping turns, and has earned the nickname the ‘Monster Mile’ for good reason.”
Drivers say the track constantly changes.
“You’ve got to keep up with the racetrack as the groove moves around and the rubber builds up on the track,” Kevin Harvick says. “The biggest challenge is being able to get the car up off of the corner under power, wide open throughout the whole run.”
“Dover is a track that’s constantly changing,” Cup points leader Tony Stewart adds. “But it’s one of those places where you really can’t change your driving style. You still have to do the same things you always do. It’s just a matter of finding the package that’s right for that racetrack.”
Jeff Gordon, a four-time Dover winner, says qualifying is big at Dover.
“This is a real fast track, so being in ‘clean’ air makes your life that much easier during the race on Sunday,” he says. “The rubber on the track will be a challenge, as usual. But this track is wide and the groove will usually widen out – so much so you can probably even run near the wall. But if there’s significant rubber-buildup, it can be challenging on the restarts and when trying to pass another car.”
Jimmie Johnson says he’s not sure why he’s won six times at Dover.
“Dover has always been a good place for the (No.) 48 team, and I really enjoy racing there,” the five-time Cup champion said. “I’m not really sure why, but it has always just kind of suited my driving style.”
Clint Bowyer has two Nationwide wins but no Cup wins at Dover.
“You can fall off rhythm there pretty easy,” he said. “You have to get in a groove and settle in. You have to get in that rhythm. There’s probably more of a sensation of speed there than any other place that we go. It really throws you down into that banking hard. The car really works hard and digs deep. It’s a really fun racetrack.”
Mark Martin, a four-time winner at Dover, says he’s not a fan of concrete, but…
“There’s not much they could do to make me not like Dover,” he said. “The racing is always tight, and I think you’ll see even more of that this Sunday. The fans are so close to the track, and they really get excited. It’s a great atmosphere, a great racetrack and definitely a race that all NASCAR fans should go to.”