Motor Racing Network (MRN) heads to Naval Base Coronado this weekend. Indeed, the network will call all three NASCAR national series races from an active military installation for the first time.
What We Know: Additionally, MRN will broadcast the inaugural NASCAR San Diego Race Weekend. The event marks the first time all three national series compete on the same 3.4-mile, 16-turn circuit. Held at Naval Base Coronado, the weekend honors the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. In addition, this historic race weekend represents NASCAR’s first event ever held on an active military base.
Coverage begins on Friday with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Navy 250 Forged by the Sea. MRN broadcast time is 6:30pm ET. On Saturday at 4:30pm ET, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes the base for the United Rentals Driven to Serve 250. The weekend culminates on Sunday with the Anduril 250 Race the Base NASCAR Cup Series event at 3:00pm ET. San Diego’s 103.7 KSON will serve as the MRN flagship station for the event.
What They Said: Chris Schwartz, President of Motor Racing Network: “Southern California has a legacy of speed and innovation with roots to the early days of stock car racing that continues to shape our sport today. Promoting events at iconic venues like Ascot Park and Riverside. As well as Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and most recently the Clash at the LA Coliseum. Fans in this region have experienced NASCAR in wildly different settings and Naval Air Station North Island is no exception. Everyone at the network is excited to welcome KSON to our family as we deliver the experience to race fans in San Diego and around the world.”
Scott Roddy, Regional Vice President Audacy Country West Coast: “For the first time ever, a NASCAR race is being held on an active military base. KSON is proud to be the San Diego home of this historic race broadcast.”
What Remains Unclear: NASCAR has not confirmed whether a race similar to this weekend’s San Diego locale will return to next year’s schedule.
What It Means: As America continues to celebrate its 250th birthday, NASCAR has found a lane for the celebration. Moreover, this once in a lifetime opportunity for the sport presents a unique opportunity to grab new fans from around the country. For NASCAR, the San Diego weekend signals continued growth for unique events during the calendar year. Likewise, the Navy partnership showcases the sport’s reach beyond traditional speedways.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
