Even though NASCAR is returning to Naval Base Coronado in 2027, it won’t be there for a third year.
NASCAR is already in discussions with the Department of War regarding which domestic United States military base will host the sanctioning body in 2028.
“We’ve had a number of conversations with the DOW exploring different options and opportunities,” NASCAR COO Ben Kennedy said. “Some in markets that we aren’t in today. Others in markets that we are in that are iconic installations. We’re working on trying to understand which ones are feasible, which ones are possible.”
Kennedy described NASCAR’s conversation with DOW as “very productive.” He said NASCAR had given the DOW a “wish list” and in turn, the DOW had given NASCAR a list of installations where it would like for races to be held. NASCAR’s list includes the Pacific Northwest and the Heartland.
“Obviously, the Northeast is another priority for us to be in the future as well,” Kennedy said. “I think we have a long list of potential options.”
Julie Giese, NASCAR vice president market development and strategic scheduling, will determine what is actually feasible at the various locations. It took more than two years for the Naval Base Coronado event to become a reality.
“We need to hit the ground running pretty quickly to be ready for 2028,” Kennedy commented.
A North Carolina native, Deb Williams is an award-winning motorsports journalist who is in her fourth decade covering auto racing. In addition to covering the sport for United Press International, she has written motorsports articles for several newspapers, magazines and websites including espnW.com, USA Today, and The Charlotte Observer. Her awards include the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence, two-time National Motorsports Press Association writer of the year, and two-time recipient of the Russ Catlin award. She also has won an award in the North Carolina Press Association’s sports feature category. During her career, Deb has been managing editor of GT Motorsports magazine and was with Winston Cup Scene and NASCAR Winston Cup Scene for 18 years, serving as the publication’s editor for 10 years. In 2024 she was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame.