Dover International Speedway officials announced today that the track will install a new catch fence that will be in place for the May 29-31, 2015 NASCAR race weekend. The process of removing the current fence began on Monday, Sept. 29, one day after the “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Monster Mile, is scheduled for completion by Jan. 1, 2015.
The new fence will be installed by Smith Fence, a Florida-based contractor that has performed similar installations at other facilities on the NASCAR circuit. The project will incorporate the most up-to-date technologies and stand at 21-feet tall, up from its current 15-feet.
“Because the track is known as a self-clearing racetrack, with steep banking, we are fortunate to have never had a NASCAR vehicle become airborne and hit the catch fence,” said Michael Tatoian, executive vice president and COO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “With that in mind, our current fence served us well.
“But as with anything at our facility, we’ve been looking for some time to update and improve it. With all of the new technologies and safety advances made in safety fencing, we wanted to do this right.”
Other improvements at the Speedway in recent years include the installation of SAFER barriers, the widening and lengthening of pit road, new fan care medical facilities and many fan experience improvements.
Throughout the summer months, work was completed on drilling for the support structures that will hold the fence. Beginning this week after the completion of the track’s 2014 season, demolition of the old fence began, with construction of the new fence occurring simultaneously.
NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway May 29-31, 2015 for the May 31 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the May 30 “Buckle Up 200” presented by Click It or Ticket NASCAR Xfinity Series race and the May 29 “Lucas Oil 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race; and again on Oct. 2-4, 2015 for the Oct. 4 “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, Oct. 3 NASCAR Xfinity Series race and Oct. 2 “Drive Sober 150” presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.
Dover Motorsports PR
