The inaugural ‘Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway’ spread holiday cheer far and wide during the last seven weeks. 

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, thousands of visitors experienced Kent County’s newest holiday tradition at the Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway, the Monster Mile’s largest camping lot during its NASCAR weekends.

The ‘Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway’ included:

  • More than 60: Scenes that visitors saw during their trek.
  • 3 million: Number of lights glowing throughout the displays.
  • 1.5 miles: Each car traveled this distance through the Gift of Lights showcase.
  • 10,046 pounds: More than five tons of canned goods collected on Tuesday, Nov. 29 during Food Bank of Delaware Community Night.

Gift of Lights was produced by Winterland, Inc., a holiday services firm headquartered in Marion, Ind., along with support from partners including Kent County (Del.) Tourism, Grotto Pizza, Dover Behavioral Health Systems, Delaware Tourism, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Garrison Energy Center and Dover Pools.

In addition, on Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 16-17, Dover Motor Speedway hosted Speedway S’Mores, a family-friendly event that featured fire pits for s’mores roasting, a petting zoo, visits from Santa, local vendors and holiday music.

Speedway S’Mores also marked the debut of DMS’ Track Treasures trailer, where fans could purchase s’mores kits as well as Monster Mile memorabilia covering more than 50 years of NASCAR memories, raising thousands of dollars for Speedway Children’s Charities, Speedway Motorsports’ children’s charitable foundation.

“We share our thanks with everyone who visited Gift of Lights and Speedway S’mores during the holidays with their families,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway’s president.

“With the continued help and support of our many partners, we’re already looking forward to Gift of Lights and Speedway S’mores returning bigger, brighter and even more festive next season, allowing us to spread more holiday cheer as well as supporting more children’s causes and charitable organizations.”