When you were little, I’m sure your parents tried hard to convince you that there were no monsters hiding in your closet, under your bed, or in your backyard. Well, call them up right now and tell them the news – that the largest Monster in the world is actually right here in Dover, Delaware. You can find him at Dover International Speedway – 1131 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE.

Dover International Speedway is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to the First State.
Flickr / Douglas Palmer
The track opened in 1969 and has hosted NASCAR and other races each year, to crowds of thousands. People come to Dover every year to camp out and enjoy tailgating and racing in the First State.
The track at Dover International Speedway has earned the nickname "the Monster Mile."
Flickr / Alberto_V05
Dover is one of the more challenging tracks on the circuit, with high banks and other traits that lead to more flips than other one-mile tracks, and a lot of pile-up accidents.
The track adopted "Miles the Monster" as the official mascot in 2000.
Flickr / Alberto_V05
The nickname had stuck, and the track decided to embrace it.

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After years of Miles making appearances in press tents and at special events, it was decided that the track needed a full-size monster.
Flickr / Steve Moskowitz
The construction of Miles the Monster was completed in 2008.
The massive Miles is the largest Monster of his type in the world!
Flickr / Jerry Edmundson
He weighs over 20 tons - that is the equivalent of THREE Tyrannosaurus Rex (or 4,000 cats). He's 46 feet tall, and that's only his top half. In order to have given him legs, he would have had to be 80 feet tall.
Not only is Miles the largest Monster, but he was also the most expensive.
Flickr / Likeaduck
I don't think the fact that's crushing a real racecar added much to his $6 million price tag. Now, the "Monster Makeover" project included other renovations to the track, but the impressive construction of a concrete monster was pricey. His dedication and unveiling ceremony was attended by the Governor of Delaware, because what better way is there to welcome the world's largest monster to your state?
Miles rises from a circular base that holds plaques for every NASCAR race winner, since 1969.
Flickr / Alberto_V05
There will be room for winners' names to be added until 2035 - and these plaques aren't small! Miles is truly larger than life!

The next time you see the glowing red eyes from half a mile away on Route 13, be sure to let your kids know that Monsters are real, but they’re friendly, and you can visit the largest monster in the world right here in Delaware.

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