NASCAR drivers turn left, arrive at Dover

Published May 2, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover is no stranger to the sounds of roaring engines, flashes of colors, numbers and decals, and the wave of the checkered flag. For one weekend in May, the sight of aircraft flyovers and the cheers of thousands of fans signal the start of one of the racing world's most famous events: NASCAR weekend at Dover International Speedway.

From May 13 - 15, NASCAR will hold its tripleheader event, featuring the Camping World Truck, Sprint and Nationwide series. It will be three days of fast-paced action and festivities highlighting military and community bonds.

"[This event] highlights the mutual respect between the Department of Defense and the public it protects," said Capt. Eric Ballew, 9th Airlift Squadron wing safety officer. "Plus, it's a great opportunity for NASCAR fans like me to enjoy the events being offered."

Dover Air Force Base, Del., is taking many steps to give all servicemembers a chance to enjoy NASCAR, including making the ticket-buying process easier on the wallet. Military members receive discounted prices on tickets bought at the Information, Tickets and Travel facility in Building 475. Tickets may be purchased for $28, $37 and $55 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday's events respectively. For dependents 14 years old and younger, the ticket price is $8 for each day. Tickets will be offered until May 15. However, the actual NASCAR race is not the only attraction for Team Dover to enjoy.

Another event Team Dover members may attend is a free NASCAR social, at The Landings Club from 5:30 - 9 p.m. May 13. The event will feature a live band, a micro-racing track, face painting, a climbing wall and trampoline, inflatable bouncy castle, ice cream and cotton candy, children's entertainment, free pizza and drivers giving autographs.

Racing fans can continue their pre-race activities by visiting the Military Expo Village, organized and supervised by the United Service Organization in conjunction with Dover Motorsports. The Military Expo Village, situated in the Fan Zone at the Speedway, will feature static displays from various military branches and units, such as the Navy SEALS, and demonstrations and exhibits of military technology.

"The Military Expo Village is a chance for the community to see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making our day-to-day operations happen," said Captain Ballew. "Each group at Dover AFB will be sending in servicemembers to conduct demonstrations for the fans to enjoy."

The military presence at the Speedway also includes appearances by the Dover AFB Honor Guard, a chaplain's invocation, an enlistment ceremony, a C-17 flyover and a parade lap featuring Col. Mark Camerer, 436th Airlift Wing commander and Col. Randal Bright, 512th Airlift Wing commander.

"The military, the USO and the racing community form a three-legged stool, which serves as a basis of the synergy between the military and civilians throughout this event," said Captain Ballew.

Dover International Speedway opens its gates at 10 a.m. each day of the tripleheader. May 13 features final practice runs, qualifications and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, which begins at 4:45 p.m. May 14 is the day of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race beginning at 2 p.m. The NASCAR Sprint Series race, beginning at 1 p.m. May 15, wraps up the tripleheader.

Driver Johnny Sauter is coming to Dover leading the Camping World Truck Series. Justin Allgaier and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. share the top spot in the Nationwide Series. Carl Edwards is the leader of the Sprint Cup Series, followed by Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The race at Dover International Speedway is the eighth in the Sprint and Nationwide series, and the fifth in the Camping World Truck Series.

"This event highlights the partnership between two of Dover's landmarks: Dover AFB and the Speedway," said Captain Ballew. "Through this joint effort, military and community cooperation will be showcased on a world-wide stage."