Sometime between 4:09 p.m. and 4:36 p.m. (EDT), NASA is scheduled to launch a Delta II Rocket from the Astrotech Space Operations Facility Launch Pad at Kennedy Space Center in nearby Titusville. Weather permitting, those attending the NASCAR NEXTEL Series Pepsi 400 race or in the area of the Speedway should be able to see the rocket churn toward space.

"It's just another exciting thing to see while at 'The World Center of Racing,'" said Speedway President Robin Braig. "We already have a show planned for our fans that they will remember for a long time. The rocket launch will be yet another memorable moment for those attending the event."

The Dawn spacecraft is being prepared for launch and has gone through a series of tests including the loading on xenon for the ion propulsion system and the loading of Hydrazine, used for spacecraft control and maneuvering.