NASCAR's Monster Mile Gets Monster Makeover

One of my favorite places in the world is the walkway over the track at the Monster Mile in Dover, Delaware. I traditionally walk it every September as we go to the fall race to celebrate my birthday and to hang out with our race friends in the Camping World East series.

There is no greater thrill to me than walking through the gates of the Speedway and up the creaky metal steps to the walkway. Every time I have to remind myself to hang on to my hat as it will blow right off with the cars running full speed around the track.

Although I traditionally get in trouble with the security guards, I just have to stop on the walkway and watch the cars coming roaring out of the turn underneath me. The entire walkway shakes and you can literally feel the power of the cars racing throughout your entire body.

The Monster Mile, as the Dover track is affectionately known, is indeed one of the most special tracks to me. Over the past few years, I have especially watched with interest the many changes that have been made to the track to keep up with the times and the sport.

Dover International Speedway has indeed been in the middle of a major, some would say monster, makeover. In 2007, the first phase of the makeover included the construction of new skyboxes, as well as a new Infield Media Center (which I have been privileged to see on the inside and can attest to its beauty).

This past year, the Monster Mile continued to change with one of the most exciting additions. The Monster Monument, a 46 foot tall statue depicting the track's "mascot" Mile the Monster, was unveiled and dedicated.

The Monster Makeover has continued into the New Year with many new improvements underway. While the first phases of construction were primarily focused on fan amenities, these current changes target safety on the track and on pit road.

Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Motorsports, Inc., announced that this year "we will make modifications to the areas that directly impact the competition, by widening pit road, and creating a safer environment for the crews who are battling in the trenches on race day".

These improvements include the removal of the existing front stretch pit wall and the installation of a longer, SAFER barrier. This new wall will keep drivers safer during the many collisions that happen at the Monster Mile.

Another major improvement will be the addition of a 43rd pit stall.  This has often been a problem in the past as two competitors have had to share a stall.

The final change in the Monster Makeover is the elimination of all grass on the front stretch and in Turn 4.  This will make way for a new entrance to pit road, as well as a wider drive lane in that area.

All of the changes at Dover International Speedway are scheduled to be completed by the first race there on the weekend of May 29th to May 31st.  Racers will return to the track for the fall race, scheduled for the weekend of September 25th to September 27th, 2009.

While I can't wait to see all of these significant changes at the Monster Mile, I think you know by now where I will most likely be when I hit the Speedway gates. 

Dover walkway, I will see you in September!