The United Rentals‑driven 250 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Naval Base Coronado is set to showcase a blend of veteran road‑course specialists and emerging talent, with the event quickly becoming a highlight of the summer schedule.
Four drivers — William Sawalich, Brent Crews, Brandon Jones and Taylor Gray — have each carved out strong reputations on twisty layouts, and their performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Sawalich’s Road‑Course Resume
William Sawalich, a rising star from Joe Gibbs Racing, posted a sixth‑place finish at Circuit of the Americas earlier this season and ran inside the top ten at Watkins Glen before a mechanical issue forced an early retirement.
Brent Crews has built an impressive resume at new tracks, posting four consecutive top‑five finishes and becoming the youngest O’Reilly Auto Parts Series stage winner, having led 32 laps at Watkins Glen.
Brandon Jones, with 54 road‑course starts in the series, scored a runner‑up finish at Daytona International Speedway in 2020 and continues to be a consistent contender on circuits ranging from the Roval at Charlotte to the streets of Mexico City.
Taylor Gray has finished seventh or better four times in eight career road‑course starts and captured an ARCA Menards Series victory at Mid‑Ohio Sports Car Course in July 2022, underscoring his adaptability on diverse layouts.
Sponsorship Synergy Fuels the Competition
All four competitors are backed by a stable of sponsors that includes Starkey, a global hearing‑technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Mobil 1, the premium synthetic oil brand; Menards, the Midwest‑based home‑improvement retailer; Little Giant, a provider of industrial equipment; and Columbia Bank, a regional financial institution.
The race itself will be staged on the temporary street circuit that winds through Naval Base Coronado, a venue that blends tight hairpins with long straights, demanding both precision and endurance from drivers and crews.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event underscores the growing partnership between United Rentals and O’Reilly Auto Parts, whose combined branding efforts aim to elevate the series’ visibility and support its grassroots development.