Dover International Speedway has announced the opening of the DuPont Monster Bridge, a glass-enclosed seating structure that extends over the track for an up-close view of racing. This weekend's races will be the bridge's inaugural event.

The DuPont Monster Bridge stands 29 feet above the center of the track, strategically located on the back straightaway heading into turn three of the speedway. Measuring 110 feet in length and with an interior width of 13 feet, the bridge currently offers 50 seats within a climate-controlled environment suspended directly over the track.

Cardinal Glass Industries fabricated the laminated glass used in the bridge with DuPont's SentryGlas Plus ionoplast interlayer. According to DuPont, the ionoplast interlayers add strength and impact-resistance to the structure's front and rear glass walls. The material qualified for this application by successfully passing lab tests during which lug nuts were fired at it at 200 mph. For added protection, a metal safety catch fence extends around the bridge.

SentryGlas Plus is one of more than a dozen DuPont products and technologies showcased in the DuPont Monster Bridge. Others include flooring materials, wire and cable insulation, weatherization systems, refrigerants, coatings and solid surface materials.

"These DuPont technologies help improve the safety and performance of the DuPont Monster Bridge and enhance the experience of those enjoying 'The Most Exciting Seat in Sports,'" said Jerry Miraglia, executive vice president of Dover Motorsports. "We're very proud that Dover International Speedway is the only facility in the world to provide this opportunity to watch a race from a truly unique perspective."