One of the big success Covid-19 stories this year came with mass vaccinations at Dover International Speedway.
The Delaware Division of Public Health hopes to capture some of that magic with the Race to End Covid on Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Sunday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As a drawing card, the Race to End Covid offers people ages 16 and older who get and are pre-registered and vaccinated the chance to drive their own car or truck on the one-mile track, known as The Monster Mile.
Up to 800 drivers and their passengers will take two laps behind the track’s pace car, including on the 24-degree turns of the Speedway. Drivers will go on the track in groups of up to 25 vehicles over the two days.
Free vaccinations will be available to thousands of people during the event, as well as free testing. The first 250 people to register to be vaccinated – with or without driving the track during the event – will receive tickets to the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover International Speedway on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
Sign-ups will open at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 6, by using a link from https://www.racetoendcovid.org/event/dover-international-speedway/.
The event is sponsored by the Dover International Speedway, the Delaware Division of Public Health, and the CDC Foundation. It is the second Race to End Covid event in which participants can take their personal vehicles for a drive on the fast tracks in exchange for getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
All three types of Covid-19 vaccines – Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen – will be offered for first or second doses, as well as the additional doses now being recommended for some groups. Details on who should get additional doses after being fully vaccinated can be found here.
“Dover International Speedway has been such a great partner in our vaccination efforts this year, and this takes it to a whole new level,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Public Health director. “For anyone holding out or hesitant to be vaccinated, vaccination is safe, effective, and now can get you a once-in-a-lifetime driving experience.”
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourselves and others, and race fans in and around Delaware now have the added incentive of enjoying this unique opportunity to experience The Monster Mile from your own vehicle or getting free tickets to one of our NASCAR races,” said Mike Tatoian, CEO, Dover International Speedway.
Track driving without an advance appointment will only be available if the driving slots do not fill ahead of time, so registration for a day and time is recommended. Walk-ups for vaccination-only and testing will be accepted, but appointments are recommended.
Participants who wish to drive the track alone must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, car registration in their name, and vehicle insurance. Participants who are 16 or 17 years old with a valid driver’s license must have a parent or legal guardian in the vehicle to sign a minor release form.
