The Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware, is set to host the 56th annual Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400, the 21st race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, with the main event scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m. ET. This 400-lap race on the concrete one-mile track, famously known as the Monster Mile, will feature 37 drivers competing for victory.
The Monster Mile has a rich history, having first held the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 back in 1969. The track features 24-degree banking in its turns and 9-degree banking on the front stretch, making it a challenging venue for drivers. Alongside the Cup Series race, the track will also host NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series events over the weekend, marking a unique blend of competition at Dover.
Qualifying and practice sessions are scheduled for Saturday, July 19, with practice beginning at 1:35 p.m. ET and qualifying at 2:45 p.m. ET. These sessions will decide starting positions for the race the following day, adding excitement as drivers battle for the best grid spot.
Confirmed Qualifying Groups Announced for 2025 Dover Race
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports revealed the qualifying groups for the 2025 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400. The Cup Series qualifying will start with Group A led by JJ Yeley of NY Racing Team, while Group B will be headed by Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez.
The complete qualifying order is split into two groups, with each driver’s metric score determining their placement. These sessions are crucial, as they not only set the starting line but also provide a preview of which drivers may perform well during the main event.
Fans can watch all the NASCAR action unfold at Dover Motor Speedway during both the qualifying sessions and the race weekend, with coverage available on TNT Sports. It promises to be an intense weekend of racing on one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.
Importance of the Monster Mile in the 2025 NASCAR Season
The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 holds significance as one of the single appearances of the Dover Motor Speedway on the 2025 Cup Series calendar. The track’s unique concrete surface and steep banking demand precision and endurance from drivers, often affecting race outcomes. Success here can boost championship hopes as the season progresses.
With 37 drivers competing in this high-stakes race, the qualifying results will play a vital role in race strategy and momentum. The Monster Mile challenges teams and drivers alike, making every position on the starting grid crucial for Sunday’s contest.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is NASCAR faster than F1?
A. F1 cars are faster in all aspects, but NASCAR provides a type of racing that is just as competitive and unpredictable, with strong traditional ties.
Q. What does NASCAR mean?
A. NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.
Q. Is NASCAR safer than F1?
A. NASCAR is often seen as safer than Formula 1 for some reasons.
First, NASCAR cars have enclosed bodies with safety cages, offering better protection for the driver’s head and neck. Second, there are speed limits on some tracks to help control the cars.
Finally, NASCAR continuously improves car designs, focusing on making them safer.
Q. What does NASCAR do?
A. NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC. It is a company in the United States that manages and runs auto races. NASCAR is most famous for its stock car racing events.
