NASCAR arrives at Naval Base Coronado for a historic tripleheader

NASCAR is bringing its tripleheader to Naval Base Coronado this weekend, a stunning move that reinforces the deep ties between the sport and the United States armed forces. This debut aligns with the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations, marking a massive moment where stock-car racing and the military collide in San Diego.

Looking back, the intensity of these crossovers has always been impressive. Take the 1991 Daytona 500, where five teams ran special liveries honoring military branches during Operation Desert Storm. It was a sight to behold: Mickey Gibbs in the No. 24 Air Force car, Greg Sacks in the No. 18 Navy entry, Alan Kulwicki in the No. 7 Army Ford, Buddy Baker in the No. 88 Marines machine, and Dave Marcis in the No. 71 Coast Guard car. They all qualified, but it was Kulwicki who truly shone, finishing eighth in his desert-camouflage beast.