On June 4, 1995, Kyle Petty etched his name into NASCAR history by winning the inaugural Cup Series race held on the newly converted concrete surface at Dover Motor Speedway, fondly known as The Monster Mile.
The victory marked a significant milestone both for Petty and for the storied Delaware track, which had just transitioned from asphalt to concrete — a change designed to improve durability and racing conditions.
Driving the iconic No. 42 Pontiac for Felix Sabates, Petty executed a flawless performance in the Miller Genuine Draft 500.
Petty led 271 of 500 laps, holding off strong competition from notable drivers such as Bobby Labonte and Dale Earnhardt. The win was Petty’s eighth — and ultimately final — career Cup Series victory.
Dover’s shift to concrete posed new challenges for teams, but Petty and his crew adapted quickly, showcasing superior handling and tire management throughout the grueling 500-mile contest. The win solidified Petty’s reputation as a skilled and resilient competitor.
Now, 30 years later, fans still remember that groundbreaking race — not just as a triumph for Kyle Petty, but as a defining moment in NASCAR’s evolution on one of its most demanding tracks. It remains a proud chapter in Monster Mile lore.
