NASCAR's deep history with the military goes back to the very start

It is truly wild to think about the roots of NASCAR. We are not just talking about car builders or weekend warriors here; the very men who built the foundations of this sport—legends like Red Byron, Bud Moore, and Raymond Parks—were forged in the fires of World War II. Byron, our first champion, was an engineer on a B-24 Liberator who suffered life-altering injuries in a mission over the Aleutian Islands. That is the grit that built this series, and it is a legacy that remains woven into the DNA of the paddock today.

This patriotism is not some recent marketing invention. It started with flyovers at Daytona Beach as early as 1957, and it took a massive step forward in 1991 when five drivers ran military-themed schemes during Operation Desert Support. That event set a precedent that has only grown into the modern era, where teams honor fallen service members during the 600 Miles of Remembrance and drivers immerse themselves in training through programs like Mission 600.

Now, the sport is preparing to take that connection to a new level. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Cup Series is heading to Naval Base Coronado this Sunday to literally 'Race the Base.' It is a fitting continuation of a tradition that links the most intense, high-speed machine racing on Earth to the people who serve, proving that these deep-rooted ties are stronger than ever.