Ryan Preece has visited a lot of tracks during his nine seasons driving on NASCAR’s Cup Series.

But as he looked around Naval Base Coronado on Wednesday afternoon, Preece admitted he had entered a different element.

“This is an eye-opening experience,” said Preece, who was part of NASCAR’s latest visit to the site of June’s historic three-race weekend on the base to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.

“When you think NASCAR, you think American — and what could be more American than a Navy base? Drivers are talking about the Coronado race. Racing on a military base on this historic occasion, sharing our sport with military personnel, every driver I know, every crewman I know is excited.

“Being out here today, meeting with servicemen, seeing the aircraft, looking across the bay at San Diego and the ships, it’s an amazing experience … and we’re not racing yet.”

Preece and fellow drivers Christopher Bell and Ty Dillon all visited the base on Wednesday. Preece and Bell also visited with patients at Rady’s Children’s Hospital.

Since NASCAR announced the inaugural race over a road course at Naval Base Coronado last October, more than a dozen drivers have visited the site and shared time with servicemen.

The latest link between the Navy and NASCAR was established Wednesday, when 38 Cup drivers were assigned spots with Navy commands at Coronado.

Each driver will spend time with sailors at his assigned command during the June 19-21 races. The drivers will also display their commands’ insignias on their cars.

Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson drew the Black Jacks of Helicopter C Combat Squadron 21. Other drivers were assigned to amphibious construction units, demolition teams,  air wings and carrier deck commands.

“NASCAR and the drivers love this coming event,” Bell said. “And from talking to other drivers who have visited the base and experiencing what I’m seeing today, the servicemen love the idea of what is happening, too. Everyone is excited. It’s a great feeling.”

Bell said he plans to arrive in San Diego at least a day early to spend time with his new unit.

“I’m looking forward to the entire week,” he said. “The Navy and the servicemen have embraced us. People have been supportive and super welcoming. I don’t know if we’ve ever had a race weekend like this one.”

Another contingent of NASCAR drivers will visit Coronado on May 26 for the groundbreaking on the track’s construction.

“My hope is that they don’t change the roads too much,” said Chastain. “Keep it bumpy, demanding. And I love the plans that have our cars racing past aircraft carriers, helicopters and fighter jets. It’s going to be an iconic experience for everyone – drivers, fans, servicemen, guys working in the pits.”

“We drivers recognize this as another connection that NASCAR is developing with our military community,” said Preece. “This is a great step to take.”