With the invention of the automobile, a fascination with speed and competition began.  Back in 1915 at the Delaware State Fair in Wawaset Park the racers got up to 50 miles per hour, today Delaware hosts Winston Cup races at Dover Downs International Speedway where racers reach speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour!  Today, NASCAR is the fastest growing sport in the country. The Historical Society of Delaware presents a new exhibition entitled Delaware in the Fast Track: The History of NASCAR & Racing in the First State at the Delaware History Museum through September 27.  Delaware has a long heritage of automobile racing from the Elsmere Race Track in 1925 to today’s massive “Monster Mile” at Dover Downs.

Included in this exhibition is an authentic 2003 MBNA show car as well as a 1940 Mercury that was raced by Sam Packard.  During the week from May 26 through May 31 the Fox cut-away car will be on display.  Since Delaware is home to two corporate sponsors of NASCAR -- MBNA and DuPont, the museum gallery has on display jackets, helmets, and racing suits worn by Bobby Labonte (racing for MBNA) and Jeff Gordon (racing for DuPont).  There are also incredible videos of early races that took place on the dirt track at Augustine Beach.

In Delaware on the Fast Track explore the NASCAR phenomenon and learn about earlier auto racing in Delaware.  The Delaware History Museum is located at 504 Market St. in Wilmington, Delaware. Hours are Monday through Friday noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, please call (302) 656-0637 during operating hours.