A Course Like No Other
NASCAR is set to debut a road course unlike any it has raced before, tucked onto an active military base in San Diego, California. The circuit spans 3.4 miles and features 16 turns that weave through the base’s terrain, offering a blend of high‑speed straights and technical corners.
The layout includes a rough concrete pit road where helicopters are parked, a purpose‑built chicane designed to slow cars, and sections that pass the USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear‑powered supercarrier. Each pit stall measures 28 feet by 2 inches by 16 feet by 6 inches, and the entrance design mirrors elements of Sonoma Raceway while adopting the car positioning characteristics of Watkins Glen.
Drivers' First Impressions
For the drivers, the course represents a new frontier of technical demand. William Byron spent between 45 minutes and an hour in the simulator to familiarize himself with the track, while Chase Briscoe called it the most technical race track of his career, noting that he has had to adjust his driving style to negotiate its tight sections.
Shane van Gisbergen, after sampling the course on iRacing, described the surface as “pretty cool” and compared its roughness to the legendary Sebring International Raceway, highlighting the unique challenges presented by the concrete pit lane.
Design and Development
Designers Jeremy Casperson, senior director of design and development, oversaw construction that began on May 25, with about 98% of the right‑hand wall and 95% of the left‑hand wall installed by June 16. NASCAR managing director of track development Jerry Kaproth confirmed that the final configuration remained close to the original vision, emphasizing the collaborative process that involved extensive driver feedback.
The Race Ahead
Tim Bermann, managing director of competition operations, indicated that caution periods during the event will be brief, describing them as “quickie yellows,” while the Southern California Association, in partnership with the SCCA Corner Workers, will provide officiating support. The upcoming race will test not only the drivers’ skill but also the series’ ability to adapt to a venue that blends military infrastructure with motorsport innovation.