The intermittent roar of stock car engines and burnt tires fused with gasoline announced the opening of NASCAR’s racing weekend at Naval Base Coronado.
At approximately 10 a.m., Coronado resident Sara Hamblin made her way to the North Island race course, joined by her husband, Jesse, and their three small children.
“I’ve never seen NASCAR before,” said Hamblin. “We love events like these mainly for the boys – the family aspect of it.”
The eldest child, 6-year-old James, bubbled with excitement, anticipating his first-ever NASCAR race.
“I’ve never been to one before,” he said. “I just heard the race cars.”
As race fans and sailors descended on the base, Hamblin noted that the arrival turned out to be easy.
“A lot less traffic than expected,” she said. “I’m actually super impressed. I can’t believe they did this whole thing here. It’s cool!”
Throughout the morning hours, families flowed into Naval Base Coronado for Navy Community Day from nearby and out of state.
“That’s very special for all the military families and their kids, especially the little kids that’ll get excited with the race cars,” said Vanessa Barajas of San Ysidro.
Making memories
Trams ferried spectators from base parking areas to the zones housing the race course, concessions and grandstands. Approximately 500 NASCAR volunteers organized by Sports San Diego to support the three-day event.
Coronado resident Maria Sauter, a volunteer on Friday and Sunday, said she hopes attendees come away with a great impression of the island.
“Our little city can do this,” said Sauter. “We can host an event. Thank goodness for the military. Thank goodness for the Navy base being open to it.”
Sauter said the NASCAR weekend shows off the city and brings people together like the Fourth of July.
“We get to hold on to those memories forever,” she added. “People get to take those memories with them. That’s what’s most important… Get here early, jump on a tram, check out everything because this is a once-in-a-lifetime (experience).”
Sauter said she and other Coronado volunteers rode their bikes to the base and walked in.
“It’s just been wonderful,” said Sauter. “The military themselves, the police, everybody’s just been helpful and happy. Everyone’s smiling… Let yourself be absorbed into the atmosphere … Take advantage of the uniqueness of this particular event.”
