torsdag den 24. februar 2011

Enjoy A Day At The Races At Dover International Speedway

By Mike Woods


Twice a year, the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Wilmington caters to the thousands of fans headed to Dover International Speedway with the need for speed. Located just one hour from the track, the property offers a convenient and comfortable place to stay during either race weekend.

The speedway in Dover has been hosting races of all kinds since it opened the gates to the public in 1969. The unique configuration features a horse race track located within the one-mile speedway designed for car races. The facility hosted its first NASCAR sanctioned stock car event in July and celebrated legend Richard Petty as the first winner.

Over the years, the tricky speedway has built a reputation for crashing cars and that voracious appetite prompted the competitors to name it the Monster Mile. Drivers who dare to race there are rewarded for patience and respect while fans walk away with the experience of a lifetime.

Miles the Monster was immortalized in 2008 when speedway officials unveiled the massive Monster Monument located outside Turn 4. With glowing red eyes, the monster towers 46 feet above Victory Plaza and is clearly visible from nearby Route 1. The sight of Miles clutching a full scale race car in his raised hand greets all visitors as they enter the FanZone area. This is where race fans will find more than seven acres to explore with souvenir haulers to browse through, sponsor booths to visit and various interactive attractions.

In 1995, the Dover Downs Slots casino opened on the property for those who want to test their gambling luck. This was also when the track owners opted to convert the surface to concrete. Within six years, grandstand expansions raised the seating capacity to 135,000 and made the speedway the biggest sports venue anywhere in the mid-Atlantic region.

Lucky race fans saw their viewing experience elevated to the next level in 2004 with the introduction of the Monster Bridge. This glass structure hangs over Turn 3 and offers unobstructed views of the cars as they race by on track far below. The bridge definitely lives up to its hype as the most exciting seat in all of sports.

When the checkered flag falls, fans can head back to Wilmington for a relaxing evening. Guest may order up some room service or head down to the lounge for a drink followed by dinner at the cafe. Race fans can count on the Doubletree to provide everything necessary for an exciting weekend getaway.




About the Author:



Ingen kommentarer:

Send en kommentar