DOVER - In the grass behind the front straightaway of Dover Downs International Speedway Sunday sat Ned Hart's recreational vehicle.

Mr. Hart, a resident of Hamilton, Mass., who attends seven NASCAR Winston Cup races per year, had three flags hanging from a small pole on his RV.

The bottom flag, which features a lobster, represents his occupation of a lobsterman. The middle flag, a black Dale Earnhardt battle-flag, shows his respect for the seven-time Winston Cup champion, killed in a crash at this year's Daytona 500.

The top flag, the red, white and blue of the United States, displays a love and dedication to his country - an emotion that has bonded the nation since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

"I keep that on top," said Mr. Hart of the American flag. "I've seen a lot of flags out here. People seem to be much more courteous (now). They seem to share the same feeling of working together.

"The people are glad to see the race. It shows that the country is going to go forward."

Mr. Hart's sentiments summarize the emotions felt by thousands in the capital city for the running of the MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400, NASCAR's first race in the Winston Cup series since the violence 14 days ago.

Patriotic scenes were evident throughout the event.

It was a day where Old Glory was seemingly attached to every palm, pole and precipice - from the fans in the grandstands, to the grass in the infield, to the tailgates of the track vehicles to the crane constructing Dover Downs' new hotel.

It was a day where Cal Ripken Jr., one of the most recognizable superstars in baseball, began the race by waving the green flag.

It was a day when Dover Downs donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross.

It was a day when singers Lee Greenwood ("God Bless the U.S.A.") and Tanya Tucker ("God Bless America" and "The Star Spangled Banner") brought many to tears and inspired "U-S-A" chants.

It was a day when a fire engine driving around the one-mile oval got as loud an ovation from the stands as Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Tony Stewart.

It was a day when NASCAR and its fans got back to business.

Fans entering the speedway Sunday morning were greeted by groups of MBNA employees and volunteers passing out American flags.

"Everybody is sticking together," said Jennifer Boor, 20, an MBNA employee who passed out flags.

"When everybody chanted "U-S-A," that was nice. I wish it was like that all the time, not just after something like this (tragedy)."

Patrons at Dover Downs also were enthusiastic about the giveaway.

"MBNA did the right thing by passing out the flags," said Rick Sutton, 41, of Baton Rouge, La. "It was awesome when everyone waved the flag for the national anthem. We couldn't find a flag at Kmart of Wal-Mart to save our life.

"I like the way (some of the cars) have flags on them, too."

Ken Schrader, Dale Jarrett and Michael Waltrip were among the drivers that added flag designs to their cars for Sunday's run.

Another popular destination outside the track was the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund booth, which was specially put in for this event following the events at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"We've heard 'God bless you for what your doing,' 'I wish I had more to give,' and that kind of thing," said Rosemarie Neville of the Delmarva Peninsula Chapter of the Red Cross.

"We've gotten a positive response. Everybody's giving and caring."

Chris Stevens, 28, of Fort Plains, N.Y., said he could tell early on that the attitude at the event was going to be positive.

"In the traffic coming in, there was no road rage. People were letting other vehicles in," Mr. Stevens said. "Everybody seems to be a lot more friendly and patient.

"For a lot of people, this is the first big event since the tragedy."

Matt Ruszala, 40, of Baltimore, said he had no trepidation about traveling to Dover Downs to see his first NASCAR race less than two weeks after the attacks.

"When it first happened, I thought 'Wow, do I want to go to Dover Downs?' Mr. Ruszala said. "Then, two seconds later, I thought 'I'm not going to let that beat me.'

"It's cool that everybody is pulling together. As much as we bicker as Americans - all of a sudden, this happens and everybody's thinking different. We are Americans and we have to stand together."

Dover Downs made some security changes before the weekend's activities. Chief among them was not allowing any coolers, backpacks or large bags in the grandstand area.

Despite the inconvenience of long lines through inspection, many fans in the bleachers said they did not mind the added security.

"The security was excellent," said Brian Beatson, 22, of New Castle. "They're just looking out for everybody."

Mr. Beatson, along with friend, 22-year-old Mike Sadlowski of Bear, reflected a patriotic spirit with faces painted red, white and blue and flags in hand. Mr. Beatson also had "God Bless America" scrawled across his chest.

Emotion reached a fever pitch just before the race as Mr. Greenwood and Ms. Tucker performed the patriotic hymns. As each singer finished, loud cheers and flag waving tore through the crowd.

Kevin Cichon, 35, of Hillsboro, N.J., was visibly moved after the singing of "God Bless America."

"I can't express how I feel," he said after the performance. "I had tears in my eyes. You got to love America.

"I've been to Daytona, Martinsville and Richmond (for races) but I've never felt the emotion there that I feel now."