DOVER, Del. (NEXSTAR) — If you catch any coverage of this weekend’s NASCAR action at Dover Motor Speedway, you’ll see a menancing monster towering over the track. “Miles the Monster” stands 46 feet and weighs a staggering 20 tons. But what the heck is it and where did it come from?
Miles the Monster was unveiled to mark the 40th anniversary of the Dover International Speedway in 2008. The massive monster made of steel and fiberglass is holding a stock car in one of his oversized hands. He has glowing red eyes and appears to be bursting from the track’s concrete surface.
And yes, the monster is more than a gimmick.
Miles represents the challenges of the track’s “Monster Mile” (the length of the track). Dover International is considered one of the sport’s more challenging tracks due to his high-banked turns and concrete surface.
Over time, Miles has become quite the photo op. Good luck trying to get the entire statue in your selfie!
DOVER, DE – SEPTEMBER 28: Fans take pictures in front of Miles the Monster before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 28, 2014 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Sarah Glenn/NASCAR via Getty Images) 
DOVER, DE – MAY 15: A fan is seen on Miles the Monster before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway on May 15, 2016 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) 
DOVER, DE – MAY 14: Miles the Monster is seen during qualifying for the NASCAR XFINITY Series Ollie’s Bargain Outlet 200 on May 14, 2016 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
In addition to hanging out with Miles, fans of this weekend’s Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race will get to see legendary driver Jimmie Johnson make his return to Dover for the first time since 2020. Johnson holds an impressive 11 wins at the Monster Mile.
Additionally, NASCAR will honor Richard Petty, commemorating his significant contribution to the sport over the past 75 years.
