NASCAR News: Coronado Race Surges Toward Sellout as Military Partnership Takes Center Stage

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The event, title‑sponsored by defense technology company Anduril, is part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration and marks the first time NASCAR has ever staged a race on an active military installation. The symbolism is deliberate: a fusion of American motorsport, military heritage, and a dramatic new West Coast venue.

A Return to SoCal With a New Identity

After NASCAR sold most of the land at Auto Club Speedway and concluded its three‑year Coliseum experiment, the sport needed a fresh anchor in Southern California. The San Diego market—with its military presence, coastal setting, and massive population base—offered a compelling opportunity.

Early indicators suggest NASCAR made the right call. Multiple outlets have reported unusually strong demand, with the move from Chicago to San Diego already paying dividends. The race is expected to host roughly 50,000 fans per day, and NASCAR officials believe they will hit that cap soon.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate our country, celebrate the Navy, and honor the many NASCAR fans who are veterans or active‑duty military,” Kennedy said. “But it’s also a chance to put on an incredible display of an Americana sport in a truly unique location.”

A Course Unlike Anything NASCAR Has Attempted

NASCAR has released the full layout of the 3.61‑mile circuit—a hybrid of tight technical sections, sweeping high‑speed straights, and a signature stretch across an active airfield. The Navy plans to line portions of the tarmac with aircraft and equipment, turning part of the race into a high‑speed pass through a live military backdrop.

The course also offers striking visuals:

• Downtown San Diego rising across the bay
• Naval aircraft and vehicles positioned along the racing surface
• Carriers docked nearby, accessible to fans
• Multiple vantage points across the base for roaming spectators

Kennedy emphasized that the “optics are going to be incredible,” and early imagery released by NASCAR supports that claim. The event blends the feel of a street race with the scale of a road course—but with the added spectacle of military hardware and waterfront scenery.

A Fan Experience Built Around Exploration

Unlike traditional oval events, the Coronado race is designed as a campus‑style experience. Fans will be able to move between zones, including:

• The bayside, where naval ships may be on display
• The tarmac, featuring aircraft and equipment
• Multiple trackside viewing areas, each offering a different angle on the action

“It’s going to feel like NASCAR,” Kennedy said, “but also a great opportunity to see our military on display.”

Drivers Are Taking Notice

The buzz isn’t limited to fans. Several high‑profile drivers have already expressed interest in the event, including former F1 champion Jenson Button, who has publicly hinted at wanting to compete on the Coronado layout. Jimmie Johnson, a San Diego native and seven‑time Cup champion, is already confirmed to race in the Truck Series that weekend, adding a hometown storyline to the festivities.

A New West Coast Centerpiece

With Sonoma remaining the sport’s Northern California mainstay, the Coronado race gives NASCAR a bold new foothold in the south—one that blends innovation, patriotism, and spectacle in a way no previous venue has attempted.

The early sellout trajectory suggests fans are ready for something different. And if the demand continues at its current pace, NASCAR’s first race on a military base may also become one of its hottest tickets of the year.

Inside the Naval Base Coronado Course Layout

THE 3.61‑MILE CHALLENGE

NASCAR’s first‑ever race on an active military base features a hybrid road‑course layout that blends technical precision with high‑speed spectacle.

KEY SECTORS

1. The Bayside Sweep

• Opens with a fast, flowing section along the water
• Downtown San Diego skyline visible across the bay
• Ideal for overtakes before the course tightens

2. The Technical Spine

• A sequence of tight, low‑speed corners
• Requires heavy braking and crisp rotation
• Punishes drivers who overcharge entries

3. The Tarmac Gauntlet

• The signature feature of the course
• Cars race across an active naval airfield
• Navy aircraft, vehicles, and equipment line the straight
• A surreal blend of motorsport and military hardware

4. The High‑Speed Runway Straight

• Longest straight on the circuit
• Drafting battles expected
• Sets up a heavy‑braking passing zone

5. The Carrier View Complex

• A mid‑speed rhythm section near the bayside docks
• Fans can view naval carriers and racing action simultaneously
• One of the most visually striking areas of the venue

DRIVER CHALLENGES

• Rapid transitions between slow and fast sectors
• Heavy braking zones that will test brake wear
• Narrow technical sections with unforgiving runoff
• Constant setup compromises — no “perfect” configuration

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

• First NASCAR race ever held on a military base
• Aircraft and naval equipment integrated into the course environment
• A blend of street‑race energy and road‑course complexity
• Panoramic visuals unlike any other track on the schedule