The upcoming Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado is set to rewrite the NASCAR rulebook, bringing the series to an active military installation for the first time.
Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand‑born road‑course virtuoso, arrives as the clear favorite after a breakthrough season that includes seven Cup Series wins on twisty layouts and a debut victory at the Chicago Street Course in 2023.
His record of six wins in the last seven road‑course events underscores why bookmakers and analysts alike point to his name at the top of the odds board.
A Test of Skill on a Complex Course
But the field will not be easy. Tyler Reddick, the current points leader, brings momentum from a strong season, while veteran Denny Hamlin, on a three‑race winning streak, seeks his first road‑course triumph since 2016.
The race will also mark the return of seven‑time champion Jimmie Johnson, who has been away from the Cup Series for several years, and the NASCAR debut of former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen, adding an international flavor to the event.
Trackhouse Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing are among the teams that will field entries, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event.
NASCAR officials see the Coronado weekend as a prototype for future races on military bases, hoping the unique setting will attract new fans and sponsors.
The 3.4‑mile circuit packs sixteen turns, a blend of asphalt and concrete, and more than 3,000 barriers, making it the longest road course on the schedule.