Why Richard Petty has never turned down an autograph request
SportsPulse: Aside from his legendary career on the track, NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty is equally known for his graciousness when it comes to signing autographs for fans and he tells USA TODAY Sports why.
USA TODAY
While the main focus of NASCAR race weekend April 26-28 in Dover will be on the track, the speedway management team is planning to get your motor running with concerts, shows, contests and celebrity appearances you don’t need a race ticket to enjoy.
At the “Monster Mile,” races are 5 p.m. Friday, April 26 for the ARCA Menards Series, followed by the Xfinity Series at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27. the main event, the NASCAR Cup Series, is 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28.
More: NASCAR Cup Series schedule: Start times, TV networks in 2024
But before and after the races, check out free entertainment outside the track, with free parking April 26 and 27 and $10 parking April 28. For parking lots, follow the signs posted on Route 1 and Route 13 near Leipsic Road, and for parking tips see the Dover Motor Speedway website.
The Fan Zone near the monster monument opens at noon April 26, and 9 a.m. April 27 and 28, with driver appearances, live music, games, dog shows, a cornhole contest, pro and college team mascots, fireworks, monster trucks, a giant duck and micro wrestling.
“NASCAR is responsible for creating the excitement on the track and our responsibility is to provide the excitement and create a memorable experience off the track,” said Dover Motor Speedway president and general manager Mike Tatoian. “We take a tremendous amount of pride in offering what is often cited as the best fan experience in NASCAR.”
Here are some of the highlights:
Fun for kids
- NASCAR Kids Zone with games, information on drivers and the science behind the racing technology.
- Little Farm Petting Zoo with free face painting.
- Bumper cars.
Just for adults
White Lightning Bar and Arcade, an indoor/outdoor hangout, with a full bar, classic arcade games and trivia contests. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. April 26 with trivia from 7-9 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 27 with trivia from 5-8 p.m.; 9 a.m. to the end of the race April 28.
Meet the drivers
Chances to meet ARCA and NASCAR drivers and legends include:
- ARCA Menards Series autograph session 2:15 p.m. April 26.
- Xfinity Series drivers autograph session 9:45 a.m. April 27.
- Cup Series drivers and legends greeting fans April 28 near the monster monument with Kyle Busch at 11 a.m., William Byron at 11:30 a.m., Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex at 11:45 a.m., and Richard Petty with crew chief Dale Inman at noon.
One-time-only events
These programs are planned once during the weekend:
- Movie Night, 8 p.m. April 26, with “Top Gun: Maverick.” Bring a chair. Coolers welcome.
- Cornhole tournament open to the public, 4 p.m. April 27, with a prize pool of $2,500. Entry fee is $50 for a two-person team with a limit of 100 teams. To register, download the Scoreholio app on your phone or register in person April 27 at the Fan Zone if spots are still available.
- Fireworks, 9 p.m. April 27.
- Sports mascots and cheer teams April 28 will include the University of Delaware cheer team with YoUDee, Rocky Bluewinkle from the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Coaty from the Delaware Blue Coats, Screech from the Washington Nationals, Phang from the Philadelphia Union, Talon from D.C. United and Hooter from Temple University.
Concerts including country, rock and an MTV legend
Music is a big part of race weekend, including these one-time shows:
More: Delaware loves Amish band that left the church and now plays rap & country tunes
Entertainers performing throughout the weekend
- DockDogs, the canine aquatics show, will feature skills contests all three days, April 26 with practice at noon and shows at 1 and 3 p.m.; April 27 with practice at 9 a.m. and shows at 10 and 11:30 a.m.; April 28 with practice at 9 a.m. and shows at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Micro Professional Wrestling with a…
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