Kent County residents are gearing up for the influx of traffic in and around Dover this weekend when the NASCAR returns to the state capital for the first of its two 2013 visits. Tourism officials are expecting 135,000 race fans to venture to the Monster Mile this week, packing area restaurants and hotels.
Once again, the 2,900 hundred rooms in Kent County’s nearly 20 hotels and motels will be filled to near capacity with room rates ranging from $150 to $350 per night.
Tourism Director of Sales, Charles Gray says that’s good news for the hospitality industry, but those seeking a room, they’ll be out of luck.
“We are about sold out, definitely for Friday and Saturday evenings, there may be some rooms here and there for Thursday evening or Sunday night but yes. Definitely sold out,” said Gray.
Gray adds there are still some campsites available in the county, on the south and west sides, along with cabins at some of the sites.
He also reminds race fans there's plenty to explore beyond the Monster Mile while they’re in Dover.
“The museums that are here in Dover will be providing their first Saturday's programming which takes up research from certain parts of Delaware's history and highlight them. Also we have tax free shopping, you know the visitors are going to be coming and looking for the tax free shopping,” said Gray.
Another reminder: there will be a lot of RV and foot traffic along Dupont Highway near the racetrack, so motorists are urged to use extra caution. And DelDOT will be directing traffic to ease congestion at the end of each race this week.