NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series is set to make history by staging its first national‑series race on an active U.S. military installation.
The Navy 250 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego will mark the culmination of a year‑long celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of both the United States Navy and the nation it protects.
A Milestone on Sacred Ground
For the first time, service members and their families will watch trucks roar around a temporary 3.4‑mile, 16‑turn street circuit that winds through the base’s historic streets, turning a training ground into a racing arena.
Ram’s all‑new Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT will serve as the official pace truck, embodying the partnership between the automaker and the Navy’s commemoration.
Kaulig Racing, fielding five Ram 1500 entries, brings together a blend of veteran experience and rising talent, aiming to translate strong road‑course performances into a victory on this unique venue.
Drivers Ready to Make History
Veteran Jamie McMurray, a seven‑time Cup Series winner, will pilot the No. 25 Ram 1500 wrapped in a special USO paint scheme, a tribute to the United Service Organizations’ support of military families.
Corey LaJoie, showing steady improvement in the No. 10 Ram 1500, brings a track record that includes an eighth‑place finish at Dover Motor Speedway.
Rookie sensation Brenden “Butterbean” Queen has already earned top‑10 finishes at Daytona and Watkins Glen, while Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell has emerged as one of Kaulig’s fastest‑improving drivers, highlighted by a Watkins Glen top‑10.
Adding to the depth, Justin Haley in the No. 16 Ram 1500 has demonstrated race‑winning speed and consistency throughout the season, positioning him as a dark‑horse contender.
The Course and the Challenge
The temporary circuit, designed by track engineers, tests drivers with a mix of high‑speed straights and technical turns, demanding precision and adaptability.
Fans can expect a weekend that blends the thunder of diesel‑powered trucks with ceremonial flyovers, historic displays, and community outreach events honoring service members and their families.
As the race approaches, the excitement is palpable, with the Navy’s 250‑year legacy serving as a backdrop for what promises to be a landmark moment in American motorsports.