NASCAR is turning to an unexpected training ground as it prepares for a debut race on the temporary circuit laid out at Naval Base Coronado. The new layout, featuring 16 turns and a 3.4‑mile stretch, will host a weekend of competition that blends real‑world driving with digital preparation.
Simulators Bridge the Gap
Drivers are spending hours in front of large screens, navigating virtual replicas of the course before they ever feel the asphalt under their tires. Denny Hamlin, a veteran of the sport, has made simulator work a cornerstone of his weekend routine, while Bubba Wallace typically allocates between half an hour and an hour to the same purpose.
Anthony Alfredo, who is not a full‑time NASCAR competitor, relies on iRacing to study the nuances of the San Diego layout, a track that shares several characteristics with the Chicago Street Course. Both drivers stress the importance of site markers — painted arrows, cones and other reference points — that help them memorize the circuit’s rhythm.
A Rough Welcome
The physical track itself presents a mixed bag of challenges. Its surface is described as rough and sketchy, with sections that were once part of the tarmac used by Navy jets and helicopters, giving the venue a uniquely industrial feel. Early feedback from participants suggests that the layout demands a high degree of precision, especially when negotiating the tighter turns.
Hamlin noted that his braking points in the simulator did not translate perfectly to the real surface during a test in Chicago, forcing him to recalibrate his approach. That discrepancy underscores the difficulty of converting virtual data into on‑track performance.
Team Strategies
The preparation extends to the broader ecosystem of sponsors and technology providers. Logitech, a key supplier of racing peripherals, has seen increased demand for its simulation hardware as drivers seek more realistic feedback. Meanwhile, NASCAR itself continues to promote the event through its digital platforms, hoping to attract fans who are eager to see how virtual preparation translates into real‑world results.
The upcoming event is being coordinated by a coalition of teams and partners that include Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Viking Motorsports and 23XI Racing. Each organization is leveraging its engineering resources to fine‑tune car setups for a track that will be unlike any other on the schedule.
As the weekend approaches, the combination of cutting‑edge simulation, meticulous marker work and the raw unpredictability of the new course promises a race that could reshape how drivers and teams approach unfamiliar venues. Whether the track will prove to be a fleeting novelty or a lasting addition to the calendar remains to be seen, but the current focus is squarely on mastering its unique demands.