A Weekend of Speed at Naval Base Coronado
NASCAR is set to transform the historic shoreline of Naval Base Coronado into a high‑octane arena this June, staging three distinct series over a three‑day weekend that promises a blend of speed, strategy and spectacle.
The centerpiece, the Anduril 250, will roar to life at 1 p.m. on June 21, covering 75 laps of a demanding circuit that winds through the base’s varied terrain. Earlier in the weekend, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take the track at 2 p.m. on June 20 for 60 laps, while the Craftsman Trucks Series will kick off on June 19 at 4 p.m. with a 50‑lap sprint.
Race Schedule and Practice Sessions
Practice activity begins on June 17 with the arrival of the first transporters, followed by a 40‑minute Truck Series shakedown at 9 a.m. on June 19. Later that afternoon, the Cup cars will enjoy a 50‑minute session at 2 p.m., giving teams a crucial chance to fine‑tune setups before the competitive action unfolds.
The event’s structure will see each series divided into multiple stages — Trucks will run 12‑12‑26 laps, O’Reilly’s cars will contest 15‑15‑30‑lap segments, and the Cup race will be split into 20‑20‑35‑lap portions — adding an extra strategic dimension that rewards consistency as much as outright speed.
Driver Insights
Driver Joey Logano highlighted the pivotal role of the practice window, noting that it allows crews to experiment with aerodynamic balance and tire pressures in a venue where every corner can shift grip.
Jimmie Johnson, returning as a part‑time competitor, described the surface as “rough and bumpy,” a condition he discovered while navigating the course in rental cars, and said the irregularities will test both chassis durability and driver composure.
William Byron added another layer of complexity, pointing out that the length of the layout makes tire wear a decisive factor, forcing crews to balance aggressive early stints with longer‑lasting strategies as the race progresses.
Beyond the on‑track action, the weekend serves as a showcase for the base’s infrastructure, with logistics teams coordinating the movement of equipment and the public’s access to a once‑in‑a‑lifetime motorsport experience.