NASCAR formally announced Wednesday that Dover International Speedway will host NASCAR Cup Series races on a busy weekend in the latter part of August.
The announcement had been widely anticipated with the state working with organizers on dealing with various issues.
Left unanswered is whether fans will be able to attend the races. Delaware has yet to move into Phase 3 of its reopening, due to an uptick in coronavirus cases.
Regardless of whether fans will be in the stands, NASCAR can take some comfort in rising TV ratings for recent races.
The “Drydene 311” NASCAR Cup Series race remains on its original Sunday, Aug. 23 date (4 p.m., NBCSN), while the May 3 NASCAR Cup Series race – postponed due to the coronavirus – now moves to Saturday, Aug. 22 (4 p.m., NBCSN).
Each day also includes a 200-mile NASCAR Xfinity Series race, including the postponed event from Saturday, May 2. The Saturday, Aug. 22 Xfinity Series race will start at 12:30 p.m. (NBCSN) while the Sunday, Aug. 23 event will begin at 1 p.m. (NBCSN).
Friday, Aug. 21 is the new date for the postponed NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race (5 p.m., FS1). The “General Tire 125” ARCA Menards Series East race is also scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.
It is believed to be the first time in NASCAR history that one track will host six points-paying events across one weekend of racing.
Speedway officials continue to work with local, state and federal health officials, as well as Delaware Gov. John Carney, on whether fans will be allowed in the stands with appropriate social distancing for the August events.
New fan procedures would include distancing in grandstands and concession lines, enhanced cleaning in high-traffic areas, added hand sanitizer stations and infield access limited to race team and track personnel only.
“Six races, three days and one hungry Miles the Monster. We are certainly looking forward to a historic weekend here in Dover,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover International Speedway’s CEO. “We appreciate the cooperation we’ve received from not only NASCAR and our network partners but also from state and community leaders in preparation for these events. As we continue to collaborate with all of the stakeholders, public safety remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and plan for best health practices for all involved as we get closer to our race weekend.”
Dover is expected to be down to one race weekend in 2021 when one of the race weekends shifts to the parent company’s track in the Nashville area.
