The track, nicknamed "The Monster Mile", was built in 1969 by Melvin Joseph of Melvin L. Joseph Construction Company, Inc., with an asphalt surface, but was replaced with concrete in 1995. Six years later in 2001, the track's capacity increased to 135,000 seats, giving the track the largest seating capacity of any sports venue in the mid-Atlantic region. In 2002, the name changed to Dover International Speedway from Dover Downs International Speedway after Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment split, making Dover Motorsports. From 2007 to 2009, the speedway worked on an improvement project called "The Monster Makeover", which expanded facilities at the track and beautified the track. Depending on configuration, the track's capacity is at 95,500 seats. Its grand total maximum capacity was at 135,000 spectators.[3]
Entry list
(R) denotes rookie driver.
(i) denotes driver who is ineligible for series driver points.
The first practice session was held on Thursday, May 12, at 2:00pm EST, and would last for 55 minutes.[4]William Byron, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 22.581, and an average speed of 159.426mph (256.571km/h).[5]
The final practice session was held on Thursday, May 12, at 4:00pm EST, and would last for 55 minutes.[4]Cole Custer, driving for JR Motorsports, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 22.846, and an average speed of 157.577mph (253.596km/h).[5]
Qualifying was originally going to be held on Friday, May 13, at 2:15pm EST.[4] Since Dover International Speedway is under 1.5 miles (2.4km) in length, the qualifying system was a multi-car system that included three rounds. The first round was 15 minutes, where every driver would be able to set a lap within the 15 minutes. Then, the second round would consist of the fastest 24 cars in Round 1, and drivers would have 10 minutes to set a lap. Round 3 consisted of the fastest 12 drivers from Round 2, and the drivers would have 5 minutes to set a time. Whoever was fastest in Round 3 would win the pole.[6]
Qualifying would be cancelled due to inclement weather. The starting lineup would be determined by speeds in first practice. As a result, William Byron, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports would earn the pole.[7]