A Milestone Collaboration
NASCAR is set to host the Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, marking the first time the series has staged a race on an active U.S. military installation. The 3.4‑mile, 16‑turn circuit snakes through runways, aircraft carriers and other base facilities, creating a course unlike any seen in the sport’s history.
The event is sponsored by defense contractor Anduril and supported by technology giant Qualcomm. Building the track required the Navy’s Amphibious Construction Battalion, known as the Seabees, to move roughly 2,000 loads of material and install 3,200 concrete barrier sections. The resulting layout is large enough to contain the entire Talladega Super Speedway within its boundaries.
Amy Lupo, president of NASCAR San Diego, described the project as both exhilarating and terrifying, acknowledging the magnitude of taking over a military base. Capt. Loren Jacobi, the base’s commanding officer, voiced strong enthusiasm, noting that every command unit on the installation has been paired with a race driver to rally behind.
The concept traces its roots to the Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, but the search for a suitable venue led organizers to explore several sites across San Diego County before settling on Coronado. Overcoming language barriers and cultural differences between the racing and military communities was a key part of the planning process.
The race will feature a flyover of jets that both take off from and land on the base, adding a dramatic aerial element. Notably, Formula One veteran Shane van Gisbergen is slated to compete, and the collaboration has sparked a unique cultural exchange that blends the high‑octane world of motorsport with the disciplined environment of the armed forces.