The Scooter Surge
NASCAR’s inaugural Cup Series race on an active military base in San Diego saw Shane van Gisbergen claim pole position, setting the stage for a weekend unlike any other.
The event’s location at Naval Base Coronado imposed strict limits on traditional transport, banning golf carts and motorhomes from the streets. In response, drivers turned to electric scooters as a nimble alternative, allowing them to zip between pit road, media obligations and fan interactions with ease.
Viral Moments on the Track
Katelyn Larson captured Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott squeezed onto a single scooter, a clip that spread across social platforms and sparked a flurry of memes.
Hendrick Motorsports answered the trend by ordering a fleet of electric scooters for its drivers and public‑relations staff, a move soon emulated by other teams such as RFK Racing and 23XI Racing.
At least eighteen drivers have been spotted navigating the sprawling course on scooters, with Ryan Preece using them for pre‑race track walks to better visualize braking points, and actor‑turned‑racer Frankie Muniz arriving on his own two‑wheel ride.
Beyond the novelty, the scooter craze underscores the series’ adaptability and has generated a wave of user‑generated content, turning what began as a logistical workaround into a cultural moment that dominates the conversation on race weekend.