NASCAR Rumors: ‘Genuine Concern’ over Dover Motor Speedway’s Future

The NASCAR All-Star Race this weekend is being held at Dover Motor Speedway, with the Monster Mile subjected to taking a non-points race. Unfortunately for racing fans in Delaware, this also might be one of their last chances to see the Cup Series on the Monster Mile.

On Sunday’s episode of The Teardown, motorsports reporter Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic shared that there’s a “genuine concern” around the industry that Dover might lose out as a future host for NASCAR races.

“There’s a genuine concern about Dover’s future among people…They’ve lost one race, they’re stuck now with an All-Star Race that nobody is interested in…It’s been jerked around, it doesn’t have a spot in the schedule.It’s one of those that just keeps getting moved around here, there, wherever.”

The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi on growing concern Dover Motor Speedway might lose out on NASCAR races

Read More: NASCAR Standings Before Dover

Dover was effectively taken off the NASCAR schedule months ahead of the season. Reports first surfaced in August that there was strong consideration being given to having the Monster Mile host the All-Star Race, marking the first time since 1968 that Dover didn’t have a points race.

Instead, the track owned by Speedway Motorsports is now stuck with a race that drivers care less about and there’s even less fan interest. Only making matters worse, the All-Star Race will be held in the early afternoon (1:00 PM ET) because the proximity to Dover Air Force Base means there can’t be any lights used on the track to support a nighttime race.

To make matters worse, Dover itself isn’t well-suited for the All-Star Race, which runs shorter and doesn’t include long runs that the Monster Mile is designed for. As a result, there’s even less excitement for this year’s non-points race than past All-Star races.

“Most people don’t think it’s going to be very exciting. Dover’s a good track, but I think we both agree it’s a track built on long, green-flag run and that kind of thing. It’s not conducive for an All-Star Race format. yea, there’s concern…I’ve heard it’s iffy (ticket sales). It’s not good, it’s worrisome…If you’re worried about Dover’s , you’re sitting there going ‘How does Dover get back to having a points race?”

Jordan Bianchi on the uncertainty regarding NASCAR’s future at Dover

If there isn’t strong attendance for the NASCAR All-Star Race this weekend, that would potentially give the league a ‘rationale’ to justify not having a race at Dover in 2027.

That might not necessarily be fair, especially given Dover’s history and the level of appreciation both fans and drivers have for that track. However, the Monster Mile is clearly not a prioritized track by NASCAR executives and the fears for the venue’s future seem fair.

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