Dover welcomed another NASCAR weekend in a new way.
For the first time, a hauler showcase and parade kicked off the weekend Thursday afternoon. Race fans had a chance to get an up close look at the Sprint Cup series haulers at the Blue Hen Corporate Center before they rolled four miles through downtown Dover to the Monster Mile.
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Amy Behringer, whose husband is stationed at Dover Air Force Base, was among the fans that turned out for the event.
“It allows the fans to kind of get into it and see more of the sport, and I guess get a feel for what’s outside the track. When you watch it on TV and everything you only get to see the car on TV, and seeing what it takes the teams to get here and what all they put into it," said Behringer. "You can also tell the care they put into the trucks.”
That's just the kind of reaction Kirk George wants to hear. George drives the hauler for Tony Stewart’s number 14 car and says the event is another way for NASCAR to show how much it appreciates its fans.
“People are glad we're here. I guess they get to see a side of this that TV doesn't show, and most people don't get to get close enough to see it," said George. "So, it's good for the fans, you know give back a little bit to them cause without the fans we don't have a job.
Dover Mayor Carlton Carey suggest the showcase and parade to Dover International Speedway officials earlier this year after seeing similar events during race weekends elsewhere.
The action moves on the track Friday with qualifying for Sunday’s third race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship race at 3:10pm, followed by the K&N Pro Series East "Drive Sober 150" at 4:45pm.