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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Virtual events replace normal race weekend to Dover International Speedway

Delaware Public Media

 The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t completely stopping what would have been NASCAR’s spring race weekend at Dover International Speedway. 

 

The races themselves won’t be held on the Monster Mile. But, the track is hosting a virtual race week. 

The highlights include two iRacing events and replays of some classic Dover races.

Dover International Speedway marketing director Doug Yorke said iRacing is seeing a growth in interest.

“To have so many new NASCAR fans and classic NASCAR fans tuning in to these iRacing and digital races, it’s been great for the entire sport,” Yorke said.  

Yorke said this week also gives the track an opportunity to expand its social media presence.

“We’ve been really been looking at what other ways we could talking to fans whether what they are doing at home, how they are experiencing NASCAR, what kind of merch or memories or tailgating recipes that they have and how can we kind of keep ourselves and everybody entertained and engaged with the sport even though there are no racing going on at the Monster Mile this week,”  Yorke said.

York hopes the virtual race week reminds fans that social media is a fun way to connect with NASCAR. They’re also offering online activity books for kids stuck at home.

The Dover International Speedway remains active off the track during the pandemic.  It recently partnered with the Food Bank of Delaware and the Air National Guard to feed 5,000 families at a drive-thru mobile food pantry last week.

Three races were scheduled this weekend, including the Sunday Cup Series race.   NASCAR postponed all races last month in response to the pandemic.  Nick Ottinger won Tuesday’s iRacing event.  The next iRacing event is the Finish Line 150 on Sunday.