A unprecedented motorsport experiment is set to unfold this weekend as Naval Air Station North Island, a historic U.S. Navy airfield on the outskirts of San Diego, is being repurposed into a temporary NASCAR racetrack.
The longest track ever
The newly configured 3.5‑mile circuit claims the title of the longest NASCAR track in history. Its layout stitches together sections of concrete flight line, asphalt taxiways and uneven tarmac, forcing drivers to contend with a constantly shifting surface that tests both car setup and driver skill.
NASCAR track president Amy Lupo has overseen the two‑year planning effort that made this conversion possible. Her team coordinated with Navy construction crews, known as Seabees, to reinforce the airfield’s infrastructure and integrate temporary grandstands and pit facilities.
Military roots and construction effort
The base, originally built in 1917, has long served as a hub for naval aviation training. This weekend, its legacy takes on a new chapter as the venue blends aviation history with motorsport spectacle, showcasing the adaptability of a site that once launched aircraft into combat.
Traffic and safety warnings
Caltrans has issued a stark advisory, urging motorists to avoid Coronado and to expect severe congestion on the San Diego‑Coronado Bridge and Interstate 5. Security checkpoints will slow vehicle flow, with officials projecting delays of several hours for race‑day commuters.
The influx of roughly 50,000 spectators per day — many of them military families attending the Friday Craftsman Truck Series event — means that surrounding roadways will operate at near‑capacity. Police and base security personnel are preparing for heightened scrutiny at entry points to the venue.
Race weekend schedule
The weekend kicks off on Friday with a Craftsman Truck Series race reserved exclusively for military families, offering a unique tribute to service members and their relatives. Sunday’s headline act, the Cup Series Anduril 250, will bring the full NASCAR roster to the makeshift track, capping a three‑day celebration of speed, tradition and community.