Dover – The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) greets NASCAR fans to Dover for the 2009 NASCAR Tripleheader Race Weekend at the Dover International Speedway beginning on Friday, May 29 for the NASCAR Camping Truck Series; Saturday, May 30 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and Sunday, May 31 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
At both of the Route 1 Toll Plaza’s and on I-95, additional lanes will be open in expectation of heavy traffic congestion. Additional toll operators will be working at the Dover Route 1 Toll Plaza on Monday, June 1 to accommodate recreational vehicles leaving the speedway.
DelDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) staff in coordination with City of Dover Police and Delaware State Police will monitor traffic in and around the Dover area to ensure safe and smooth travel for motorists.
On Sunday, May 31, the Dover International Speedway’s main entrance on Route 13 will be closed for all southbound traffic when parking at the Dover International Speedway is full. When the race is finished on Sunday afternoon, Leipsic Road will also be closed to through traffic. This will allow traffic to exit directly
onto Route 13 and traffic from Lot 2 parking to exit directly to Leipsic Road.
A designated exit route for the Saturday and Sunday races have been established through the cooperation of many groups including the Towne Point Civic Association. Vehicles parked in Lot 1 will be permitted to exit onto Buckson Drive to Townsend Boulevard (next to K-Mart) and the signalized intersection. Once at the traffic signal, they will be able to turn southbound only. Due to special routes being designed just for Saturday and Sunday race day traffic, motorists are encouraged to carefully read the variable message board signs in the Dover area.
The TMC and DelDOT’s Traffic Division will work remotely from the Command Post at the Dover International Speedway with technicians monitoring traffic inside the track facilities and outside on Dover-area roadways. DelDOT’s staff will watch major intersections for proper signal progression, place temporary directional signage, and assist with any incident or congestion problems along major travel routes. Traffic Patrol Units will be in the area to help motorists with breakdowns, directions, etc.
The Smyrna Rest Area located a short ten miles north of Dover International Speedway just off Exit 119 is open 24 hours each day, offers snacks and sodas, restrooms, and has an RV dump station for a modest charge for the convenience of the NASCAR campers.
DelDOT and Dover International Speedway are pleased to offer race fans a better way to enjoy their visit. If you’re looking for a smart way to get to and from the track, consider using the Race Express Bus service. This bus service is only available on Sunday, May 31. In the event of inclement weather, there will be NO bus service on Monday, June 1.
On race day, payment will only be accepted by exact cash amount, no change will be available.
You can choose to ride from two locations:
• The Race Express from Christiana Mall Park & Ride in northern Delaware, just off I-95 takes NASCAR fans directly to Dover International Speedway. The bus service will begin at 8 AM with 800 seats available on a first come, first serve basis. The cost per person is $12.00 round-trip.
• For $20, NASCAR fans can also park at the Blue Hen Corporate Center on Route 1 in Dover, and all vehicle occupants can ride the Race Express Bus to and from Dover International Speedway. The Race Express Bus avoids race day traffic congestion by traveling south on Route 1 to an exclusive buses-only exit ramp leading directly to Dover International Speedway, approximately 12 minutes. The service begins at 8 AM and is available to transport passengers back and forth until one (1) hour after the race.
• Carry-on items on the buses to the grandstands must conform to Dover International Speedway’s Gate Admission Policy, and that any and all carry-on items that can be handled by one person are permitted on the buses upon departure after the race.
Motorists should check the DelDOT’s website at www.deldot.gov for updated travel -related information and live video of traffic conditions or tune to WTMC-AM 1380 for up-to-the-minute traffic conditions.
For more race information visit:
• Dover International Speedway’s website at www.doverspeedway.com
• NASCAR’s website at www.NASCAR.com
