Drive Monster Mile while getting vaccinated at Dover speedway event next week

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DOVER — Dover International Speedway will hold a COVID-19 vaccination event Oct. 16 and 17, with a chance for people to drive their own vehicles on the Monster Mile with advance registration.

The “Race to End COVID” will offer free vaccinations to thousands, plus free COVID-19 testing. The first 250 people to register to be vaccinated at the event — with or without driving the track — will receive two tickets to the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover International Speedway on April 30.

Up to 800 drivers, with valid driver’s licenses, and their passengers will take two laps each behind the track’s pace car, including on the 24-degree turns of the speedway. Drivers will go on the track in groups of up to 25 vehicles over the two days.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 16 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17. Signups for the driving spots and for vaccination-only and testing-only appointments open at noon Wednesday here.

All three types of vaccines — Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson — will be offered for first or second doses, as well as the additional doses now being recommended for some. Details on who should get additional doses after being fully vaccinated can be found here.

The event, sponsored by Dover International Speedway, the Delaware Division of Public Health and the CDC Foundation, is the second Race to End COVID event.

“Dover International Speedway has been such a great partner in our vaccination efforts this year and this takes it to a whole new level,” said DPH director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement. “For anyone holding out or hesitant to be vaccinated, vaccination is safe, effective and now can get you a once-in-a-lifetime driving experience.”

Track driving without an advance appointment will only be available if the driving slots do not fill ahead of time. Registration for a day and time is strongly recommended. Walk-ups for vaccinations only and testing will be accepted, but appointments are urged.

Participants who wish to drive the track alone must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, a vehicle registration in their name and vehicle insurance. Participants who are 16 or 17 with valid driver’s licenses must have a parent or legal guardian in the vehicle to sign a release form.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourselves and others, and race fans in and around Delaware now have the added incentive of enjoying this unique opportunity to experience The Monster Mile from your own vehicle or getting free tickets to one of our NASCAR races,” said Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway.

The entrance for this event will be via Leipsic Road, not from U.S. 13. For more information and to register, visit here.

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