NASCAR's 2027 Military Base Initiative
NASCAR has unveiled a plan to bring its premier racing events to U.S. military installations beginning in 2027, starting with a weekend at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. The schedule will feature both the Cup Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on the base’s street circuit, marking the first time the top‑level stock cars will race on a naval installation.
The sanctioning body is scouting additional bases across the country, including Fort Carson in Colorado, where the historic Pikes Peak International Raceway is slated for closure, and Evergreen Speedway in Washington, a venue that has long hosted regional NASCAR events but has yet to welcome a national series race. Joint Base Lewis‑McChord, located near Seattle, is also under consideration for a future national‑series date, while Fort Sill in Oklahoma is being examined as another potential site.
To make the partnership work, NASCAR will work closely with military commanders to align race dates with training cycles and to avoid any conflict with deployment schedules. Backup plans are in place should unforeseen operational needs arise, ensuring that the events do not compromise personnel readiness.
The initiative is aimed at reaching younger fans, especially active‑duty service members and their families, by offering a unique blend of high‑octane racing and family‑friendly activities on base. Organizers hope the exposure will revitalize interest in the sport among a demographic that has traditionally been under‑represented in NASCAR’s audience.