The NASCAR Cup Series is set to rewrite its own history when it stages the inaugural Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, marking the first ever points‑paying race held on an active U.S. military installation.
A Milestone for NASCAR and the Armed Forces
Spire Motorsports will field three Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s for the event, each bearing a distinct livery that pays tribute to different branches of the armed forces. The lineup features Daniel Suárez in the No. 7 Freeway Insurance Chevrolet, Michael McDowell in the No. 71 Defense Unicorns Chevrolet, and Carson Hocevar in the No. 77 Spectrum Chevrolet.
Suárez’s car carries a design that honors the Surface Combat Systems Training Command, a nod to the Navy’s surface warfare expertise. With 42 career road and street course starts, Suárez brings a win, six top‑fives and four top‑tens to the track, sitting eighth in the championship standings with 450 points.
McDowell’s Defense Unicorns entry is sponsored by a veteran‑owned defense technology firm, reflecting the race’s military theme. The driver, a veteran of road and street courses, has a win, nine top‑fives and 18 top‑tens on such layouts, and currently sits 20th in the points table, 49 points outside the playoff cutline.
Hocevar’s Spectrum Chevrolet showcases an illustration inspired by the U.S. Navy’s CMV‑22B Osprey aircraft, linking the race to naval aviation. The young driver is ninth in points, just a single point behind eighth place, underscoring the tight battle for position.
A New Challenge on a Street Circuit
The 3.4‑mile circuit that winds through the base’s streets is expected to test drivers’ precision and adaptability. Its mix of tight corners and high‑speed straights offers a unique challenge that could reshape strategies for the series.
The race will be broadcast live on Prime, the Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, giving fans across the country a chance to witness the historic event from the heart of a naval base.