NASCAR returning Coronado in '27, plans to visit other military sites

NASCAR announced its return to Naval Base Coronado in 2027, with both the Cup and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series scheduled to race on the Southern California course for a second consecutive year. The decision to extend the partnership at the unique military venue signals a successful inaugural event in 2024.

Beyond the Coronado race, NASCAR revealed plans to broaden its engagement with military installations by holding more races at additional military sites beginning in 2028. This initiative is part of a long-term strategy to connect with military communities across the country.

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He obviously loved the event, enjoyed the event and that helped spur conversations around what the future relationship might look like with them.

NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Ben Kennedy stated that the decision to expand to other military sites was influenced by conversations with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during this year's event at Coronado. Kennedy noted Hegseth's positive reception to the event, which spurred discussions about future collaborations. "He obviously loved the event, enjoyed the event and that helped spur conversations around what the future relationship might look like with them," Kennedy said.

NASCAR is exploring various potential locations for future races on military bases, aiming to rotate these events as part of a broader plan. While specific details regarding future venues and timelines remain undecided, the organization has begun researching priority markets for this expansion. "So we agreed in 2028 we're going to go to another military installation as a part of a long-term plan as we think about rotating these. ... Still remains to be seen where and what and when those other locations might look like, but (NASCAR has) already been digging into a number of different markets that we feel like are priority markets for us to be in," Kennedy added.

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So we agreed in 2028 we're going to go to another military installation as a part of a long-term plan as we think about rotating these. ... Still remains to be seen where and what and when those other locations might look like, but (NASCAR has) already been digging into a number of different markets that we feel like are priority markets for us to be in.