Dover Motor Speedway to Host First Summer NASCAR Weekend Since 1969 in July

DOVER, Del. — For the first time in more than five decades, NASCAR returns to Delaware in the middle of summer with a full weekend of racing and family activities at Dover Motor Speedway, scheduled for Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21.

The weekend marks the first July NASCAR Cup Series race at the track since its debut event on July 6, 1969. Dover is one of only 10 tracks nationwide to have hosted more than 100 NASCAR Cup Series races.

Events begin on Friday, July 18 at 5 p.m. with the General Tire 150 (ARCA Menards Series), followed by the BetRivers 200 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and conclude with the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) on Sunday, July 21 at 2 p.m..

Thursday through Saturday offer lower ticket prices and free parking, and are expected to appeal to families seeking a daytime or evening outing. Activities around the venue include the Miles Beach Fan Zone, which features beach-themed attractions such as a boardwalk, 600 tons of sand, shaded seating, and a 60-foot-tall rubber duck. Additional features include food vendors, classic arcade games, a lighthouse installation, and scheduled live music.

Saturday night, the speedway will host a fireworks display at 9 p.m., following the conclusion of the Xfinity Series race. Free concerts are also scheduled throughout the weekend, with performers including Mike Hines & the Look and The Spazmatics.

The Sunday Cup Series race is expected to draw national attention, with appearances from top drivers including Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, Brad Keselowski, and Kyle Larson. Hamlin won at Dover in 2024, while Busch leads all active drivers with three victories at the track.

ESPN’s SportsCenter will be reporting live from Dover on Sunday as part of its “50 States in 50 Days” series. NASCAR reporter Marty Smith will provide live coverage beginning with the 10 a.m. broadcast.

Camping is available throughout the weekend, including new access to infield RV sites inside the oval — the first time overnight camping has been permitted in that location. The Infield Reserve offers full hookups, pit access, hospitality services, and other amenities. The lot opens Wednesday, July 17.

Dover Motor Speedway is also highlighting several charitable initiatives during the event, including Laps for Charity, a fundraiser supporting children’s programs throughout Delaware.

More information on tickets, schedules, camping, and event details can be found at DoverMotorSpeedway.com.