Dover to celebrate Chase with 'monster trophy'.

Dover International Speedway has created an exciting new 'monster trophy' to be awarded to the winner of the MBNA America 400 race on Sunday 26 September - the second of the final ten races of the season that will determine the new Nextel Cup champion.

A concrete sample was taken from the speedway, and used as a model for creating the one-of-a-kind trophy. Composed of sandstone, the monster was formed from a clay mould and, after repeated brushing, refinishing and hardening, evolved into its final shape. From initial concept, through many rounds of revisions, the project took approximately four months to complete.

"Winning at the 'Monster Mile' requires great driving skills, strength and endurance, and, from now on, the winner of our Nextel Cup Series race will receive a trophy that embodies these attributes. It will be unlike any other award in the sport," said Jerry Miraglia, executive vice president of Dover Motorsports Inc, "Dover has been dubbed the 'Monster Mile' because of the challenges the track presents to drivers. It's only fitting that the trophy incorporate our 'monster' likeness in its design."

A 1:24 scale diecast car representing that of the race winner will be held high in the air by the concrete monster. The trophy stands approximately 30 inches tall, and weighs 40lbs. The base features a red mirror, which in sunlight will make the monster appear on fire.

"In keeping with Nextel's inaugural campaign as title sponsor of the Cup Series, and our introduction of a new trophy this season, we couldn't be happier to see Dover International Speedway start a new trophy tradition of its own," said Nextel director Michael Robichaud, "Dover International Speedway is, indeed, the 'Monster Mile' and its 'monster' trophy will help reflect what a strong effort it takes to win there."

Circuit owner Dover Motorsports Inc has a history of creating unique trophies for its races. Nashville Superspeedway's victory lane showcases the most coveted trophy on the NASCAR Busch and Craftsman Truck Series circuits, with an exclusive Gibson Les Paul guitar - complete with race-specific artwork designed by NASCAR's official artist Sam Bass - is presented as the winning trophy at each race. Memphis Motorsports Park, also owned and operated by Dover Motorsports, sculpted a special set of trophies for its 2004 champions, featuring the gates of Graceland, images of Elvis and prominent guitar to commemorate Memphis' celebration of '50 Years of Rock 'n' Roll'.