The NASCAR Cup Series is poised to make its inaugural visit to the brand‑new Qualcomm Circuit in San Diego, California, this Sunday, turning a purpose‑built track into the stage for a landmark moment in American stock car racing.
A New Venue for a New Era
The event, dubbed the Anduril 250, will showcase 39 entries, three of which are non‑chartered, underscoring both the expanding roster of teams and the competitive stakes of the new venue.
Among the most talked‑about lineup changes is the return of Jimmie Johnson, who will pilot the No. 84 Toyota for his Legacy Motor Club operation, marking his comeback after a distinguished career. Simultaneously, former Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the No. 91 Chevrolet, adding an international flair to the grid.
Veteran Returns, Rookie Debuts
Corey Heim is slated to drive the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota, having been confirmed as a full‑time competitor for the 2027 season, while veteran road‑course specialist Shane van Gisbergen will look to replicate his 2023 Chicago street‑race triumph in his own Cup Series debut.
Two teams, Beard Motorsports with the No. 62 Chevrolet and Live Fast Motorsports with the No. 78 Chevrolet, will not field entries for this race, leaving additional space for the newcomers to make an impact.
Broadcast and Stakes
Fans can watch the action live on Amazon Prime Video beginning at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, a partnership that reflects the series’ growing digital footprint. The race not only represents a geographic expansion into Southern California but also serves as a litmus test for the series’ ability to attract fresh talent and audiences in a rapidly evolving media landscape.