Cup Qualifying Record Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge, 161.522 mph (22.288 sec.); June 4, 2004
Cup Race Record Mark Martin, Ford, 132.719 mph; Sept. 21, 1997
History The fastest true oval on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit opened its gates in July 1969. Richard Petty drove his Ford (the only season he sported a Blue Oval on the hood) in a 300-mile event on an asphalt surface to capture the first checkered flag.
In 1971, the Cup event was lengthened to 500 miles. The race ran caution-free giving Bobby Allison his first Dover win. Also, a second 500-mile race was added and Petty, once again, took inaugural honors.
In 1995, Dover International Speedway decided to resurface the track from asphalt to concrete – making it the first all-concrete superspeedway in the sport. The unique look of the white concrete surface still makes Dover’s appearance unique among the sport’s bigger tracks.
During the 1997 season, in an attempt to make the event more competitive, both events were shortened to 400 miles each.
From Baltimore/Washington: Take US 50/301 E across the Bay Bridge. Follow US 301 North to Maryland 302 E. Turn right on Maryland Route 454 at Templeville, which becomes Del. 8 at the state line and leads to Dover. Left on U.S. 13 in Dover. Track on right (East) of U.S. 13.
From Philadelphia: Take I-95 South to I-495 South to Exit 1, the US 13 South exit. Follow US 13 South to Route 1 South Exit 104 to Dover. Dover is about 70 miles from Center City Philadelphia.
From the N.J. Turnpike: Take the New Jersey Turnpike South across the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the US 13 South exit (exit 1). Dover is about 45 miles from the bridge.
