The fastest true oval on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit opened its gates in July 1969. Richard Petty drove his Ford (the only season he sported a Blue Oval on the hood) in a 300-mile event on an asphalt surface to capture the first checkered flag.

In 1971, the Cup event was lengthened to 500 miles. The race ran caution-free giving Bobby Allison his first Dover win. Also, a second 500-mile race was added and Petty, once again, took inaugural honors.

In 1995, Dover International Speedway decided to resurface the track from asphalt to concrete. The unique look of the white concrete surface still makes Dover’s appearance unique among the sport’s bigger tracks.

During the 1997 season, in an attempt to make the event more competitive, both events were shortened to 400 miles each.