Whether you want to know about Dover's NASCAR race weekend traffic, the new "Miles Beach" showcase, or race tickets, we've got you covered.
“Flip-flops and freedom” might become the unofficial theme when NASCAR fans meet boardwalk bliss at Dover Motor Speedway’s new “Miles Beach” makeover during race weekend.
The Monster Mile will transform into "Miles Beach" from July 17 to 20.
Miles Beach will be located in the Speedway’s Fan Zone and feature dozens of family-friendly events and beach-themed attractions, many of which will be free, including for guests not attending the races.
Here's what to know about Miles Beach and some fun highlights that will be on tap there and how to get Dover race tickets. We also have a traffic guide for the race, as Miles Beach overlaps with the first weekend of the Delaware State Fair (July 17-20).
600 tons of sand and more at Miles Beach in Dover
Miles Beach will be decorated with 600 tons of sand to create a beach area with lots of seating and shade, plus a boardwalk (at the entrance), palm trees, beach balls, Adirondack chairs, vintage cars and beach grass, according to a press release from Dover Motor Speedway. There also will be a 25-foot-tall lighthouse.
World's Largest Rubber Duck is coming to Monster Mile
Dover will squeeze The World's Largest Duck when it visits Miles Beach. The yellow duck is 60 feet tall and weighs 15.5 tons. This duck is super photogenic.
White Lightning Bar + Arcade at Dover Motor Speedway
This indoor/outdoor spot will be on tap all weekend and offers a full bar with Anheuser-Busch products, plus over a dozen classic arcade favorites.
Tasty food and drinks at Dover Motor Speedway
Guests can enjoy the First State's Orange Crushes, Dolle’s salt-water taffy and popcorn, crispy boardwalk fries, and a variety of ice cream delights and other beach-inspired nibbles.
Live appearances and performances from the Miles Beach Stage
The weekend will be full of entertainment and celebrity and NASCAR driver appearances. There will be performances on and around Miles Beach by the Mariachi Arrieros Band, Trinidad North Steel Drum Band, The Red Hot Ramblers and Homestead Bluegrass Band. More performances will be announced.
When is Miles Beach at Dover Motor Speedway?
- July 17: 3 to 9 p.m. (THOR Camper Welcome Party)
- July 18: Noon to 9 p.m.
- July 19: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monster Mile Bash)
- July 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kids tickets for NASCAR Dover race
Kids 12 and under get in free to the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series at Dover Motor Speedway with a ticketed adult and get in for just $10 for the NASCAR Cup Series race. NOTE: Not available in all sections; race weekend tickets may be limited. Limit four per ticketed adult in certain grandstand sections. Tickets are required for gate entry for all guests, regardless of age.
Tickets for NASCAR Dover race
Sunday tickets: Simple as it gets, tickets are available for the NASCAR Dover race on July 20.
Triple Access Package: This is a deal for race fans who want to experience a little more than just the race. This package provides fans with two Sunday tickets in the turns, two Frontstretch Access passes before the race and a parking pass for the race.
Multi-day tickets: Fans can get in to see all three races of the Dover tripleheader, including the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series, and save money along the way. Fans will be able to add July 18 and tickets for both ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series races for just $50, plus fees, and July 19 tickets for the NASCAR Xfinity Series for just $30, plus fees.
What roads will be closed for NASCAR at Dover Motor Speedway?
DelDOT is closing Leipsic Road to through traffic from Route 13 to Persimmon Tree Lane from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July18, July 19 and July 20. This is mainly to help traffic flow after the races are done each day, according to Charles "C.R." McLeod, director of community relations for DelDOT.
When will traffic be the worst during NASCAR at Dover Motor Speedway?
The DelDOT spokesperson said he expects the heaviest event-related traffic in and around Dover will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 20, as race fans head to the track.
That would be a good time to avoid unnecessary travel on Route 13 and use an alternate route since "we expect heavy traffic volume," McLeod said.
Traffic is also expected to be thicker than Texas toast when the race ends during the evening.
McLeod said this will also cause congestion when you add northbound traffic heading home from the beaches, so those travelers will want to also keep that in mind when thinking about what time they pass through Dover.
DelDOT’s special event staff will be present at both NASCAR and the State Fair, helping to keep traffic moving as best as possible, McLeod said.
“We ask people for their patience and caution both in Dover and Harrington as these two large-scale events are happening.”
Free shuttle bus to and from Christiana Mall on July 20
On July 20, a free shuttle bus is available starting at 8 a.m. at the Christiana Mall to Dover Motor Speedway. The “race express” bus will be near Nordstrom at the park-and-ride site. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and the bus schedule, call shuttle provider Advance Student Transportation at (302) 998-6726.
When are the NASCAR races at Dover Motor Speedway?
July 18 from 5-7 p.m.: General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race (on FS1).
July 19 from 4:30-7 p.m.: BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (on The CW, Performance Racing Network).
July 20 from 2-6 p.m.: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (on TNT, Performance Racing Network). For more information, visit dovermotorspeedway.com.
The Tennessean reporter Austin Chastain, and News Journal reporter Ben Mace contributed to this report.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Dover Motor Speedway set to debut 'Miles Beach' for NASCAR weekend
Category: General Sports
