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Chasers are 1 for 1: Let the nightmares of Monsters begin

September 18, 2008

A congrats are in order for Greg Biffle, for taking the first Chase win for 2008.

Getting down to business, let’s get a quick summary of who crashed the Chase party at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and review last weeks “predictions“.

  • Prediction 1: Martin Truex Jr.
    Finishing in a respectable 7th place. Luke: 1 for 1;
  • Prediction 2: Brian Vickers
    Finishing a dismal 35th, thanks to getting the ol’ T-Bone from David Gilliland. Luke: 1 for 2;
  • Prediction 3: David Reutimann
    Finishing decent in 15th, there were 28 other competitors who would have loved to trade spots. Not too shabby, Beak. Keep on keepin’ on. Luke: 1 for 3; (Half credit? Almost count?)

Now on to this weeks job. Taming the Monster Mile of Dover International Speedway.

Our first spoiler lead off last week as well. Now we’re to the home track of Martin Truex Jr., and he would love to take those checkers here at Dover. If you had to place a wager on tracks this team goes the extra mile for, this is certainly one of them. Finishing a strong 6th here in June, look for that to remain the case as he takes a Top10 from a Chaser.

David Ragan is looking for a bit of redemption after finishing 28th last week. David had a Top-15 here in June, and certainly has the capability for improvement by sneaking into the Top-10.

Ryan Newman needs a finish. Is he too distracted thinking of greener pastures? Perhaps, but it’s about time he had something solid. No stranger to the challenge of the Monster Mile.

There are several other possibilities for taking valuable Top-10 points from a Chaser. David Reutimann, or even Brian Vickers, but then again they have that potential just about any given week as of late. Potential doesn’t mean Top-10, however, as we find out week in and week out.

Dover offers a unique challenge. Steve will tell you it’s the concrete. Some will say it’s the banking. For me, I think the challenge comes from keeping it together for 400 miles while running at high speeds in what could be called Bristol’s big brother.

Those who can keep it focused for the distance will have the highest chances of success here. There’s a lot of time spent in the corners, and the constant battering of G-forces can take their toll. Keep your head in it, remain focused, and breathe when you can and you may just tame that Monster.

photo credit: Icon Sports Media

Written by Luke · Filed Under Dover International Speedway, NASCAR, Nascar Chase 2008 | Leave a Comment 

Concrete Surface Makes Dover the Monster Mile

September 14, 2008

Dover Downs opened in 1969 as a unique dual purpose facility, designed to accommodate both horse racing and motor racing events.

The first event on the “Monster Mile” was the “Mason-Dixon 300,” a NASCAR Cup Series race, on July 6, won by Richard Petty.  The history of Dover Downs has been wound tightly around the horse racing and gaming community.   In 1994 The Delaware state legislature approved slot machines at para-mutual horse racing facilities thus making this the only NASCAR track with legalized betting.

In 2002 Dover Downs International Speedway became Dover International Speedway, as the gaming side of the company was split off and Dover Motorsports, Inc. was created to exclusively oversee racing at the Dover, Nashville, Memphis and St. Louis tracks, as well as the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The harness racing, slots operation and hotel retain the Dover Downs name and is now known as Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.

The first major renovation to the racing surface came in 1995 when the entire one mile track was resurfaced in concrete becoming the first NASCAR sanctioned track to be made of concrete.  Over a sixteen year period beginning in 1986, seats were added to the racing facility on a yearly basis until a capacity of 135,000 was reached in 2001.

A unique race perspective can be had from the Monster Bridge, a 56 seat, glass-enclosed structure that extends over the track in Turn 3, is unveiled in 2004. The one-of-a-kind structure creates the “Most Exciting Seat in Sports.” That year also saw the newly introduced “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup” come to the Monster Mile in the fall.  Ryan Newman  notches another Dover win in the Sept. event and takes home the first ‘monster’ trophy.

Currently Dover is in the midst of a multi-year improvement program that will see new luxery boxes and suites along with improved fan areas and a new signature 46 foot tall Miles the Monster structure.  The monument also includes a tribute to all winners and legendary drivers at Dover.

Dover is one of only seven racetracks to host a true NASCAR tripleheader; consisting of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  Jeremy Mayfield  holds the qualifying record at 22.288 sec. (161.522 mph) in 2004. The race record of 132.719 mph was set on September 21, 1997 by Mark Martin.

photo credit: Icon Sports Media

Written by Steve Wronkowicz · Filed Under NASCAR, Nascar Chase 2008 | Leave a Comment 

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