A Unique Partnership Takes Shape
NASCAR is set to make its inaugural appearance on a U.S. Navy installation, staging a race on the streets and runways of Naval Base Coronado in California. The 3.4‑mile circuit weaves through military installations, demanding close coordination with the service branch.
Planners have spent more than two years mapping the route, adjusting flight schedules and ensuring that the base remains fully operational while the track is built. Over 6.8 miles of wall and fence have been erected, and more than 3,184 barriers now define the course.
Inside the Construction Effort
Work began in late May, with track walls installed on June 1 and the final barrier placement completed by June 17. The abrasive surface required roughly $1 million in specialized treatment, while iRacing used LiDAR scans to produce true‑to‑life digital renders of the layout.
Volunteer sailors have been instrumental in the build, lending manpower that has accelerated construction and fostered a sense of camaraderie between the racing community and the Navy.
Key figures in the project include Amy Lupo, who brings a background in technical sporting events to lead the NASCAR San Diego initiative, alongside Brian Geye, Jeremy Casperson and Jerry Kaproth, who have contributed expertise across logistics, design and operations.
The course will feature a straightaway that runs past the USS Carl Vinson, with Turn 3 positioned directly over the ship’s home port, and a pit road that once served as a helicopter anchor point. As the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing hauler crosses the Coronado Bridge, it signals the final push toward race day.
Beyond the spectacle, the event underscores a broader partnership: the Navy’s logistical support ensures that the base’s primary missions can continue uninterrupted, while NASCAR’s presence highlights the versatility of military installations for civilian entertainment.