Shane van Gisbergen will lead the grid for the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado after posting the fastest qualifying lap of 134.788 seconds, a performance that left the New Zealander’s rivals scrambling to match his pace.
The front row will be completed by Carson Hocevar, who came within a hair’s breadth of the pole before settling for second, while a handful of road‑course specialists will line up further back, setting up a compelling battle for the early laps.
A New Chapter for NASCAR in Southern California
Points leader Tyler Reddick brushed the wall in the closing moments of qualifying and will start 17th, while veteran Denny Hamlin, currently second in the standings, finds himself 26th on the grid, a position that could prove pivotal as the race unfolds.
The weekend also marks the debut of Kevin Magnussen, the former Formula One driver, who will line up 21st for his first Cup start, and seven‑time champion Jimmie Johnson, who will begin from 36th, adding extra intrigue to the historic event.
Beyond the on‑track action, the race is notable for its setting: it is the first points‑paying NASCAR Cup Series event ever held at Naval Base Coronado and the first Cup Series race in the San Diego area in decades, signaling a new chapter for the sport in Southern California.