Naval aircrafts flew across a baby-blue sky, spectators pledged allegiance to the flag, a sailor led the crowd in prayer, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth waved the green flag — all just before NASCAR drivers raced across Naval Base Coronado on Sunday.
The race marked the first time NASCAR’s Cup Series competed on an active military base, blending motorsports with military tradition in a distinctly American spectacle marking the Navy’s 250th anniversary.
It was a weekend of effusive patriotism, with more than 40,000 fans cheering on stock car racers as the stars and stripes undulated over Sunday’s final event.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer, said that NASCAR is going to have a debrief with the Navy to see if they are going to come back, but they want to be conscious of it being an active base. They are also open to collaborating with other military bases in the future.
Asked what it means to be an American at a time when the country faces heightened global attention because of the Iran war, World Cup soccer and UFC fighting at the White House, NASCAR driver Todd Gilliland said:
“There’s a lot of exciting things going on in America right now. With the country’s 250th anniversary coming up, it’s really cool to be here on a naval base. I’m super proud to be American and to represent that.”
Jon Ko, a spectator from San Diego, wearing a “Race the Base” jersey and walking toward the bleachers said, “You know, I think NASCAR is part of America’s past, so they kind of go hand in hand.”
Another attendee, Tyler Allen, said the race “is really good for our military, and to support our troops.”
On Saturday, former Chargers quarterback Drew Brees waved the green flag to start the Xfinity Series race. When asked what image he thinks America projects through sports, he said:
“I don’t know if there is a better month in sports than what we’re witnessing right now. Regardless of what you think about the UFC and the venue — which almost felt like the Olympics for many of the American fighters — being able to fight at the White House. It’s just incredible and reminds you how powerful sports can be.”
Elias Awad, a journalist with Univision, a Spanish-language media outlet, said, “I think it’s an amazing event here in San Diego, even for Latin American fans, and I can see a lot of fans enjoying the event.”
And while walking through the concession stands, Jade Massa, a San Diego native, said she’s been going to racing since she was a kid because her grandfather was a tire changer for speedways. She added that it’s special to see stock car events held on a Navy base. “I think it’s cool that NASCAR embraced all of this.”
