NASCAR made history this weekend by staging its first ever race on a course that lives inside an active U.S. Navy installation, turning the roads of Naval Base Coronado in San Diego into a 3.4‑mile racing arena.
A Two‑Year Engineering Feat
Planning for the venue began nearly two years ago, when NASCAR engineers partnered with Navy officials to map out a layout that would weave through existing roadways and sections of the base’s airfield, creating a unique circuit unlike any traditional track.
Operating Amidst Military Activity
Construction crews installed roughly 6.8 miles of wall and fencing, placed more than 3,100 barriers, and performed welding and surface upgrades at over 150 locations to ready the track for high‑speed competition.
Throughout the build, the base remained fully operational; aircraft continued to take off and land, and sailors carried out routine duties, forcing the racing team to coordinate around real‑time military schedules and communication protocols.
The finished circuit not only showcases NASCAR’s ability to innovate in an unprecedented setting, but also highlights the rare partnership that blends the high‑octane world of motorsport with the disciplined environment of a naval installation.