23XI Racing and Navy SEALs forge a unique bond ahead of Naval Base Coronado
It is not every day that you see stock cars roaring past aircraft carriers, but that is exactly what awaits in San Diego. The upcoming Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado will be run on a 3.4-mile layout, making it the fifth-longest track in NASCAR history. The event is a massive logistical feat, forcing drivers and teams to navigate an active military facility.
At the center of the crossover is Damian Jackson, a jackman for Riley Herbst’s team at 23XI Racing. Jackson, a former SEAL and former Nebraska Cornhuskers football player, served as the bridge between 23XI and the Navy SEAL Foundation. After Jackson introduced the organizations, the partnership flourished, bringing active and former SEALs into the 23XI race shop in Huntersville for a two-day collaborative visit.
Team personnel are clearly impressed by Jackson’s work ethic. Assistant pit crew coach Jake Lind noted that Jackson does not just show up; he studies, learns, and outworks everyone. It is a philosophy that has clearly resonated throughout 23XI, with coaches and leadership alike crediting Jackson’s determination as a force that raises the entire team’s game.
While Jackson remains modest, calling the event just another race, the significance of the partnership is clear. The Navy SEAL Foundation provides essential support to families of the military community, a cause close to Jackson’s heart. When the series hits the track at Naval Base Coronado, it will be far more than just a typical weekend for the 23XI squad.
