Dover Motor Speedway roared to life on July 6, 1969, with the inaugural Mason-Dixon 300 — the first NASCAR Cup Series race at the now-iconic one-mile oval.
That summer day, two weeks before man walked on the moon, saw Richard Petty dominate, leading 150 of the 300 laps to claim a six-lap victory in front of a crowd witnessing history in the making.
The win marked Petty’s 90th career NASCAR Cup Series triumph on his way to 200 career victories and began a legacy of unforgettable NASCAR moments on the high-banked track later nicknamed "The Monster Mile.”
Back then, the track featured an asphalt surface and a raw, no-frills atmosphere.
Today, Dover stands as a top motorsports destination, famous for its fast speeds, steep banking and the legendary 46-foot Monster Monument near the Fan Zone.
Over the decades, the Speedway has hosted countless Hall of Fame drivers and dramatic finishes, cementing its place in NASCAR lore.
That proud history continues July 18-20, as NASCAR Nation returns to Dover for another tripleheader weekend, capped by the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 20.
Fans can enjoy three days of thrilling action on the track as well as free Fan Zone attractions such as Monster Monument appearances, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware fun and free concerts.
From the grit of 1969’s Mason-Dixon 300 to today’s high-tech spectacle, Dover’s NASCAR story spans more than half a century.
As the Monster Mile gears up for another action-packed summer weekend, fans are invited to celebrate the past, present, and future of racing at one of NASCAR’s most storied tracks.
