Dover Downs to open track for Earnhardt.

Dover Downs International Speedway will do its part to help fans remember one of the greatest racers in Winston Cup history when it opens its track to the public this Friday (February 23) from 4-6 p.m. at Gate One.

While no formal memorial service will take place, fans will be given the opportunity to gather at the Start-Finish Line, pit area and Victory Lane to visit with each other or to privately remember one of the legends of NASCAR racing. They also may bring items to leave at the track and at 6 p.m. a special prayer will be given in Earnhardt's honour.

"We already miss Dale tremendously and hope that by opening up the speedway to the public we will be able to honour his memory in a way race fans can appreciate," said Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Downs.

"Our sport would not be where it is today without Dale Earnhardt. We at Dover Downs know that so many of our fans were huge supporters of Dale and we welcome them here to share memories and celebrate his legacy."

Earnhardt, a seven-time Winston Cup Series champion, was certainly no stranger to Dover Downs International Speedway, having raced regularly at the Monster Mile since 1979.

In fact, in his first race ever at Dover Downs he posted a fifth-place finish. He ran very well at Dover Downs, finishing in the Top 10 in 25 of his 44 races.

Earnhardt won three times at Dover Downs, including a sweep of both the 1989 events. His last victory on the Monster Mile took place in the Budweiser 500 in 1993.

In last June's MBNA Platinum 400, Earnhardt proved he could still run with the young lions, leading 49 laps and only giving way to eventual winner Tony Stewart when he had to make a green-flag pit stop for fuel.

Earnhardt is also the top money winner all-time of Winston Cup drivers at Dover Downs.

Dover Downs is in the process of planning a special tribute to Earnhardt during its June 1-3 NASCAR weekend, which will conclude with the MBNA Platinum 400 on June 3.