A Road‑Course Showdown
NASCAR is bringing its third road‑course event of the 2026 season to Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California, scheduling the Anduril 250 for Sunday, June 21 at 4 p.m. The race will be aired live on Prime, giving viewers a chance to watch the series’ unique street‑circuit action.
Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand driver celebrated for his road‑course prowess, captured pole position with a lap that was 0.156 seconds faster than second‑place qualifier Carson Hocevar. His 50 percent win rate on similar layouts underscored the advantage he holds on twisty circuits.
The qualifying session also highlighted a strong showing from American drivers Zane Smith and Todd Gilliland, who will start fourth and fifth respectively, while Connor Zilisch, another road‑course specialist, will line up eighth.
Veteran Jimmie Johnson, entering what will be his second‑to‑last Cup Series start, will begin from 36th position. He will share the grid with Christopher Bell, who is competing despite a broken wrist, with rookie Brent Crews on standby.
The event’s lineup also includes a roster of top drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott, each bringing their own strengths to the demanding layout. The race promises a blend of experience and youthful aggression as the series continues to experiment with street‑course formats.
Fans can expect a high‑octane spectacle as the drivers navigate the tight turns of Naval Base Coronado, a venue that has already proven its capacity to host thrilling NASCAR road‑course competitions.