Jeff Gordon and the State of Delware Welcome a Monster     
By. Arianne Hegeman
May 16, 2008

For the people of Dover, Delaware, racing means more than just something different to do during two weekends out of the year. Racing also brings that undeniable surge of energy that takes over the state’s capital; once in early June and then again in late September.  It ignites a sense of pride within the first state’s residents; reminding them that there is more to Delaware than just year-round, tax-free shopping. This spring brought a new face to the racing community of Dover.                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                  
The new kid on the block is a 46 foot monster named Miles.

The new Monster Monument dedication took place on Wednesday, May 14^th.  The construction of the 40,000 lb, 7 ft high, 60 ft wide track icon began back in December of 2007 in Lancaster, PA.  The monument was placed in its permanent residence just outside of turn 4 on April 25, 2008.  The monument is surrounded by plaques honoring the many drivers who have tamed the monster. Two hundred and twenty eight plaques garnish the structure with one hundred and seventeen of them being engraved.  The designers left enough space for 27 more years worth of race winners.     

Delaware’s Governor; Ruth Ann Minner, was on hand to unveil the monument.  She made it a point to show the staff at Dover International Speedway just how important the presence of motorsports activities is to local economy.  She spoke of the 71 million dollars of revenue brought in by the NASCAR events at The Monster Mile.  Governor Minner added that since 92% of the fans who attend the races are out-of-state residents, it is clear that racing has a major impact on the tourism within Dover, Delaware.  “It keeps the office of tourism very happy”.

Drivers who compete on the 1 mile concrete oval may not associate the word “happy” with Dover International Speedway.  It tends to be more of a love-hate relationship.

Just ask Jeff Gordon who was also in attendance for the dedication of the new Monster Monument.  He joked with the crowd about the true meaning behind the track’s nickname. He laughed as he described the way his fellow competitors become monsters once they take to the unforgiving track.  Yet every driver respects the track and looks forward to hoisting its unique trophy.  Gordon admired the plaques of Bobby Allison and Richard Petty, who have both won at the track seven times.  The four-time NASCAR Cup Champion expressed his eagerness to score at least three more victories at the track so he could get a plaque up front just like Allison and Petty.

Other dignitaries attended the event such as; Dover Motorsports, Inc. President and CEO Denis McGlynn, Dover Mayor Carleton Carey Sr. and AAA-Mid Atlantic President and COO Donald Gagnon.  The ceremony was followed by an unexpected treat for the race fans who waiting outside of the ceremony. Jeff Gordon visited with a number of fans, signing autographs and interacting with his loyal following.

Additional improvements to the track include; the Victory Plaza and the FanZone.  The Victory Plaza will become the new grand entrance to the speedway.  The entrance will lead race fans to the Monster Monument, the frontstretch grandstands, and the new FanZone. The new FanZone will offer the same non-stop excitement that it has always planned for race fans, with the addition of a larger, more spacious area.  The attraction is free for race fans and includes driver appearances, samplings, and racing-related experiences.

The races schedule at Dover International Speedway will take place May 30^th to June 1^st and September 19th to the 21^st.  Tickets are available by visiting: www. DoverSpeedway.com or calling: 1-800-441-RACE