Dover hunkers down for 50th anniversary of NASCAR Spring Races

Dover is reeving up for one of its busiest weekends of the year. Over the next two days, the city will host the 86th Annual Dover Days Festival and the 50th anniversary of the NASCAR Spring Races at Dover International Speedway.

Dover Days is the largest and longest-running free event dedicated to celebrating Delaware’s history and culture. The one-day festival features walking tours, parades, food and craft vendors and other activities to showcase Delaware traditions. The fun begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4th.

This year, tethered hot-air balloon rides are back at the Legislative Mall. Festival-goers can take a ride in the balloon for $5 per person from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m and enjoy a birds-eye view of downtown Historic Dover, as they climb up to 150 feet into the air.

The NASCAR Spring Races at Dover International Speedway is kicking off Friday night, May 3 and running through Sunday, May 5.

“In many ways, Dover International Speedway put Delaware on the map and it forever created an economic ‘driver’ for our community,” said Judy Diogo, president of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.  “Each year, the economic impact of Dover International Speedway is estimated at $94 million dollars.”

The “JEGS 200” NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series Race will take place Friday, followed by the “Allied Steel Buildings 200” NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash Race on Saturday, and the “Gander RV 400” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race on Sunday.