After Shane van Gisbergen’s clinic at Sonoma, the NASCAR caravan now moves into Dover Motor Speedway, the 1.0-mile oval famously known as ‘The Monster Mile.’ While the Cup Series first tore through this concrete beast in 1969, the track didn’t earn its ominous nickname until 2000.
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It was since then that Dover has leaned into its monstrous identity, cementing its brand with the introduction of its official mascot, Miles the Monster. In 2008, the track brought its menacing mascot to life as part of the Monster Makeover project, unveiling a towering 46-foot statue that looms over the speedway like a concrete colossus.
But Miles is more than just a clever symbol. With 24 degrees of banking in the turns, ranking among the steepest on the calendar, and nine degrees on the straights, Dover generates unimaginable speeds for a track of its size. The concrete surface and tight quarters often turn minor missteps into major pileups, living up to its fearsome reputation.
Nicknamed for good reason, the Monster Mile offers no mercy. It’s fast, narrow, and ruthless. Drivers relish the challenge, but many leave battered by its unforgiving layout. Spins quickly turn into calamities, and there’s no room for error when the average speed pushes the 160 mph mark.
No other track in NASCAR leans into its identity quite like Dover. “Miles the Monster” isn’t just a mascot; it’s a brand. The name itself has become shorthand for the chaos and challenge the venue presents, and the trophy featuring the stone-faced menace has become one of the most distinctive in the sport.
Clad in gray, with a hulking physique, glowing red eyes, and a NASCAR stock car clenched in one hand, Miles cuts an unforgettable figure. Visible from half a mile out for those arriving via Hwy 1, he stands sentry over the speedway, a forewarning of the chaos that awaits on race day.
According to NASCAR, the trophy itself is no lightweight effort. Crafted using a cocktail of cement, resin, acrylic, sunstone, mirrored acrylic, and aluminum plates, the monster comes to life through a meticulous molding process. A granite base, piercing red eyes, and a scaled-down racecar complete the fearsome figure that stands as both prize and warning to those who dare to tame Dover.
