The upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado will make history as the first stock car event held on an active U.S. military installation. The race also serves as a tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, weaving together themes of duty, courage and national heritage.
A Paint Scheme Steeped in Service
The No. 41 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that will take to the track bears a distinctive livery that pays homage to George H.W. Bush’s naval career and the values he championed — character, courage and selfless service. The design incorporates subtle nods to his wartime flights, his rise to the youngest aviator in the Navy, and the enduring principles that guided his public life.
George H.W. Bush’s personal ties to Texas A&M run deep. Though he did not graduate from the university, he selected its campus as the final resting place for himself and his wife, Barbara. The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, alongside The Bush School of Government and Public Service, anchor his legacy on the Texas A&M campus, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to public service.
Texas A&M’s partnership with Haas Factory Team extends beyond the track, aiming to broadcast the university’s research initiatives, service mission and core values to a national audience. The collaboration highlights how academic institutions can influence sports culture while honoring veterans and their families.
Cole Custer, the driver of the tribute car, will be joined by crew chief Joe Custer, both of whom bring their own connections to the sport’s rich history. Their participation underscores the blend of personal dedication and collective effort that the tribute seeks to embody.
The ceremony will also reflect on Bush’s wartime experiences, from enlisting on his 18th birthday to flying combat missions in the Pacific and surviving a 1944 shoot‑down. Those stories, alongside his later roles as congressman, ambassador and president, illustrate a life defined by service — a narrative that resonates with the ethos of both the Navy and Texas A&M.