NASCAR is gearing up for an unprecedented coast‑to‑coast pilgrimage as teams load up their transporters for a debut street‑course showdown at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego.
The journey covers more than 2,000 miles of highway, with the schedule calling for a rapid turnaround once the fleet arrives on the West Coast.
A Haul‑Road Hazard
During the trek, one of Alpha Prime Racing’s haulers was involved in a minor collision after a runaway wheel broke loose on the interstate, striking the side of the trailer.
The incident was captured on dash‑cam, showing the wheel rolling across the road before the driver regained control; fortunately, no injuries were reported and the damage was limited to the trailer’s exterior.
Team co‑owners Tommy Joe Martins and Caesar Bacarella confirmed that the crew will continue to San Diego, where the car will compete in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series alongside drivers Brennan Poole and Lavar Scott.
The episode has sparked a wave of commentary on social media, with fans praising the team’s transparency and the series’ growing popularity on street circuits.
O'Reilly Auto Parts, a longtime sponsor of the series, is expected to highlight the incident in its upcoming promotional material, underscoring the unpredictable nature of motorsport logistics.
While the street‑course event marks a bold step for NASCAR, organizers say the logistical challenges are being closely monitored to ensure safety for future editions.