NASCAR: Four More Tracks That Need To Add Lights

Dover International Speedway

Racing at Dover is among the most physically demanding one will see in NASCAR, with the significant elevation changes throwing drivers into a roller-coaster type atmosphere around the track. Adding lights would only increase the driver demands required the track appropriately named the “Monster Mile.” ‘

Dover is a track that is succumbing to the attendance problem swarming across the sport, partly because of the lack of excitement the track brings. While the track is physically taxing, Dover races often turn into boring parades. This could be attributed to the Gen-6 car setup, the difficulty of the race, and many other factors. The track needs a boost, and adding lights may be just the trick to improve diminishing crowds and lackluster finishes.

Why it would work: Dover is a one-mile oval that has plenty of capability for adding lights around the facility. The cost would not be as outrageous as somewhere of the size of a superspeedway. The track certainly could use a new element to spice things up, because you rarely see races at Dover among the best of the season. Weather would be conductive for a night race, as May and September race dates equate to warm temperatures in Delaware. The track recently reduced seat capacity because of declining attendance, so adding lights couldn’t hurt the one-mile oval.

Why it wouldn’t work: There is not one overwhelming factor that jumps out at you as to why Dover could not add lights. Cost would certainly be a factor, and the track may not be willing to spend much more on facility moderation, especially having recently removed seats and installed new catch fencing around the track.

Dover may be the most compelling case for adding lights that have been mentioned thus far, because of the benefits in Dover far outweighing the costs. The track has been ailing in recent years both on and off of the racing surface, so a revitalization such as through making the races under the lights would add an intriguing element that may bring exciting racing back to Dover International Speedway.

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