NASCAR has embraced the military with the first-ever street race on the Southern California military base, where some of the most iconic scenes in “Top Gun: Maverick” were filmed.
A piece from NASCAR News reported that the Coronado Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island will become “the first active military base to host NASCAR racing” when the street race takes place in 2026.
NASCAR posted a little video with serious “Top Gun” vibes, and if it doesn’t get you amped, nothing will. This looks amazing.
Project: Race the Base.
We’re bringing a different kind of speed to @USNavy Base Coronado in 2026. pic.twitter.com/A3mRh2x8bN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 23, 2025
“The NASCAR San Diego Weekend marks a full-throttle, three-day event for the first NASCAR events ever contested on an active military base, with the Craftsman Truck Series headlining Friday, June 19, the Xfinity Series racing on June 20, and Cup stars shining for the feature event on June 21,” the report read.
“San Diego will host just the second street course in NASCAR’s modern era,” it added. “The Chicago Street Course hosted Cup and Xfinity action for each of the past three seasons. The race weekend will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.”
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Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, chief venue & racing innovation officer, observed:
“What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy, 250th anniversary of our country, and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026. And I’m bullish on it being the best sporting event of the year.”
Kennedy elaborated on the race, calling it a “blend of traditional street racing in a way where we’ll be winding our ways through some of the streets on the base. They’ll be going past (aircraft) carriers. They’ll eventually go out onto the tarmac, probably by some military aircraft, maybe a couple of F-18s out there, and then back towards the entrance to the base.”
Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan also reflected on the historic event, saying, “NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” adding:
“Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork, and love of country. From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR. We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who serve, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.”
NASCAR understands its audience and is embracing the military with this incredible race in the same location where Tom Cruise donned those aviators in “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022.
For those who might not know, several iconic scenes in the sequel were filmed at North Island, including the bar all the naval pilots frequent, along with the beach scenes and shots inside “various hangars, office buildings, and streets on base.” The entire list of locations in San Diego and Coronado where both “Top Gun” and “Top Gun 2” scenes were filmed can be found here.
Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to end iconic military symbols of America, like the fantastic Navy’s Blue Angels, who have been performing for audiences for generations.
SEE: Cat Lady Claims the Blue Angels Killed Her Cat, So Now Seattle Hippies Want to Kill the Blue Angels
Democrats Have Decided to Cancel the Blue Angels, Because of Course They Have
As RedState reported, left-wing activists are currently trying to cancel the Blue Angels, who have long performed at the annual “Seafair Torchlight Parade” in Seattle.
What do you think of this billboard? We’re digging into this new push to ground the Seattle summer tradition and get the Blue Angels out of Seafair!
Watch KIRO 7 News at 5:30 and 7pm. pic.twitter.com/XN0uzdpGM9— KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) July 23, 2025
I grew up watching the Blue Angels out at Miramar Air Station (now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar) in San Diego, and as my RedState colleague Bonchie wrote, there’s nothing like watching “32,000-pound fighter jets fly by in full afterburner with ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ playing in the background.”
He wrote about what’s happening in Seattle:
A billboard recently went up in the area, headlined with the demand to “Say No to the Blue Angels.” Below it are pictures of children clutching their ears, a dog, and a Muslim woman wearing a hijab (because, of course, there is). Beside them are the claims that the Angels are “Too Loud,” cause “War Trauma,” and create “Pollution.”
Editor’s Note: President Trump is leading America into the “Golden Age” as Democrats try desperately to stop it.
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