Dover bucks late start trend.

The Nextel Cup Series schedule has evolved over time, and with the influence of television, NASCAR has opted to begin many of its races later in the afternoon or early evening hours.

With the recent announcement of most of the 2007 Cup Series start times, traditionalist fans of the 'Monster Mile' at Dover received good news.

Stemming from the voice of race fans accustomed to the traditional start times for the races at the one-mile Dover International Speedway, NASCAR has announced 1:30p.m. start times for both 2007 races at the concrete surfaced track, meaning Dover has claim to two of the three Cup Series race start times in 2007.

"We're happy that NASCAR and the networks were able to accommodate our request for earlier start times," said Denis McGlynn, CEO and president of Dover Motorsports, Inc. "The 1:30 p.m. start times for our 2007 events is a great thing for our fans. Many fans travel hundreds of miles to attend our races. They'll be able to see a great race, and head home while there is still some daylight."