NASCAR Eyes New Military Venues for 2028
NASCAR is charting a bold expansion plan that could see its next chapter unfold on the grounds of U.S. military installations. The series is in talks with the Department of War to scout bases that might serve as race venues beginning in 2028, a move that would mark a departure from its traditional civilian circuits.
The conversation follows a one‑off event at Naval Base Coronado in 2027, which hosted a race but will not be repeated in the near future. That single appearance sparked a broader inquiry into how the sport might leverage the unique infrastructure and symbolism of armed‑forces locations.
According to Julie Giese, NASCAR’s vice president for market development, the organization is methodically assessing a shortlist that includes the Pacific Northwest, the Heartland and the Northeast. Each region offers distinct logistical and cultural advantages, and Giese will lead the feasibility studies that could determine which sites move forward.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s chief operating officer, described the dialogue with the Department of War as “very productive,” underscoring the series’ desire to forge a partnership that blends racing spectacle with military heritage.
If the initiative proceeds, the selected bases would join a growing list of unconventional venues that have already tested the limits of the sport’s reach. The effort reflects a strategic pivot toward untapped markets while honoring the nation’s defense installations.