DOVER, Del. -- As part of their ever-growing partnership, Autism Speaks and Dover International Speedway have announced Autism Speaks Day at the Races, a sensory friendly NASCAR event in Dover for the June 3, 2012 “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

The all-inclusive event marks the first-ever autism friendly NASCAR race, and gives families an opportunity to experience a NASCAR race in an environment specifically designed for the enjoyment of children with autism. Autism Speaks Day at the Races will be held in Dover’s air-conditioned grandstand, offering a great view of the Monster Mile from the backstretch, and will feature brief presentations by educational speakers in the morning, special appearances by NASCAR personalities, food and drink, and much more.

In addition, the area will offer a dedicated quiet zone, set inside special rooms within the air-conditioned grandstands, where parents can bring their kids to get away from the crowd if necessary. The quiet zone will be sensory friendly, with muted lighting in a calmer environment, while also featuring video screens to keep up with the action on the track.

Autism Speaks Day at the Races is just another addition to the now six-year partnership between Autism Speaks and the Monster Mile. Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, helping to raise funds and awareness for the cause throughout race weekend.

The program will kick off with doors opening at 9:30 a.m., followed by brief presentations on “Living on the Spectrum,” “Autism Speaks in the Community,” a science briefing, a presentation by Autism Delaware and more at 10 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., a hot lunch buffet and non-alcoholic drinks will be served, followed by the green flag for the “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at 1 p.m. Additional speakers and NASCAR personalities are being confirmed, and will be announced at DoverSpeedway.com.

While parental supervision is required, volunteers from Autism Speaks as well as the Alpha Xi Delta sorority at the University of Delaware will be on hand for assistance.

Tickets for Autism Speaks Day at the Races cost $88 for adults and $20 for children ages 14 and younger. The $88 price point is symbolic, as recent studies have shown that one in 88 children are diagnosed with autism by age eight, according to the CDC. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks.

To purchase tickets to Autism Speaks Day at the Races, call 800-441-RACE or visit www.MonsterMileOffers.com/AutismSpeaks.

Tickets are on sale for the June 3 “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the June 2 “5-hour ENERGY 200” NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the June 1 “Lucas Oil 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. For more information, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.