Electric Cars

Following the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Fernando Alonso, the seasoned Aston Martin driver, offered a candid assessment of his team's performance, suggesting their car currently ranks as the ninth fastest on the grid. This evaluation came after a weekend where initial flashes of speed were ultimately overshadowed by what he perceived as underlying limitations.

Alonso's initial pronouncements after the sprint qualifying session placed Aston Martin as the eighth fastest, a viewpoint he revised downwards after the main event. He attributed the seemingly better performances during earlier sessions to the disruptive nature of sprint weekends and the specific tire compounds used, which momentarily masked the car's true capabilities. The implementation of a new hard tire compound by Pirelli, for instance, saw most teams experimenting with it only during practice, highlighting its slower characteristics compared to the medium compound.

During the sprint race and qualifying, Alonso noted, \"It's a sprint weekend so there is a little bit of a mix and the people getting used to some things, rookies as well \u2013 they need to learn the track. So, I don't know, in all our metrics we are the eighth-fastest team... So, happy in that regard but I don't think that this is a particularly good weekend for the Aston.\" However, his sentiment shifted after the Grand Prix, where he finished 10th.

Post-race, Alonso reiterated his concerns about the car's performance over longer distances. He observed, \"We were slow compared to the cars in front of us and we were holding the Racing Bull [of Liam Lawson] behind us. They were within one second of us the whole race, so that means they had more pace than us.\" He further emphasized the disparity between their qualifying speed and race pace, stating a clear need for improvement in the remaining races of the season.

The race itself saw Alonso lose two positions at the start, though he managed to regain them due to incidents involving other drivers. Despite managing to hold off Liam Lawson for much of the race, the gap between them remained consistently narrow, underscoring the challenge Aston Martin faced in maintaining competitive speed. Alonso's revised ranking of his team's car to ninth-fastest, behind teams like Haas and Sauber, reflected this reality, noting that only Alpine seemed to be struggling more.

Team principal Mike Krack, while acknowledging Alonso's perspective, offered a more nuanced view. He pointed out the varied tire strategies employed by different teams during the race, with some starting on softs, others on hards, and most on mediums. Krack stressed the importance of a comprehensive post-race analysis, taking into account factors like traffic and DRS usage, before definitively concluding on their car's true standing. He admitted that the car's performance varies across circuits, highlighting specific track characteristics that either suit or hinder their package. The team's immediate focus remains on maximizing performance and securing points in the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix and beyond.

NASCAR is set to introduce an unprecedented street circuit experience at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego for the 2026 racing season. This new 3.4-mile, 16-turn track will replace the Chicago Street Course, marking a significant shift in the series' schedule. The event, scheduled from June 19-21, will host all three of NASCAR's national divisions. The newly unveiled course is characterized by its numerous 90-degree turns and extended straightaways, ensuring a demanding and distinctive challenge for drivers. Spectator access on Saturday and Sunday will be open to the general public, while Friday's Truck series race will be an exclusive affair, welcoming members of the U.S. Navy and a select number of Coronado residents.

This initiative represents a strategic move by NASCAR to innovate its racing calendar and engage with a wider audience, particularly by honoring the military community. The event at Naval Base Coronado is designed not only to offer a thrilling race but also to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The track's design, which emphasizes precision and skill, is expected to test even the most seasoned drivers, promising an exhilarating spectacle for fans. The inclusion of military personnel and local residents in the Friday events further highlights the unique community engagement aspect of this new street course. This endeavor aims to combine high-stakes racing with a tribute to national heritage, setting a new precedent for future NASCAR events.

The Innovative San Diego Street Circuit Layout

NASCAR has officially unveiled the intricate design of its pioneering 16-turn, 3.4-mile street circuit, slated to make its debut at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego during the 2026 season. This fresh course is set to take over from the Chicago Street Course, introducing a novel element to the racing calendar. The circuit's layout incorporates numerous tight 90-degree corners and extended straight sections, ensuring a formidable and distinct competitive environment for participants. Amy Lupo, President of NASCAR San Diego, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, anticipating heightened enthusiasm from both long-standing and new fans. She emphasized the unique challenge the course presents to the world's elite drivers, all while commemorating the U.S. Navy.

The newly confirmed street circuit on Naval Base Coronado is poised to deliver a unique blend of high-speed racing and technical driving. Named the Ellyson Start/Finish Line in tribute to Commander Theodore Ellyson, Naval Aviator Number One, the track winds through the base with precision. Its design mandates minimal error margin, demanding peak performance and strategic navigation from racers. The event, scheduled from June 19-21, will feature all three of NASCAR's prominent national divisions. Public attendance is welcome on Saturday and Sunday, while Friday's Truck race offers exclusive access to U.S. Navy members stationed at Naval Base Coronado and a limited number of local Coronado residents, highlighting a special connection with the military community and the local populace.

Community Engagement and Event Exclusivity

The upcoming NASCAR event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego for the 2026 season emphasizes a strong connection with the local community and military personnel. While the main racing events on Saturday and Sunday will be accessible to the general public, Friday's Truck series race introduces a unique element of exclusivity. This specific event will grant entry solely to members of the U.S. Navy at Naval Base Coronado and a restricted number of Coronado residents. This thoughtful approach aims to create a special bond between NASCAR and the military community, offering a memorable experience as a tribute to their service and dedication. The President of NASCAR San Diego, Amy Lupo, highlighted the organization's enthusiasm for this community-focused initiative, noting its importance in celebrating America's Navy during the festivities.

This innovative event at Naval Base Coronado transcends traditional racing by integrating significant community outreach. The decision to reserve Friday's access for Navy personnel and local residents underscores a commitment to honoring those who serve and the immediate community. This gesture is expected to foster a sense of pride and engagement, allowing these groups to experience the thrill of NASCAR firsthand in a truly exclusive setting. The broader weekend, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States' formation, reinforces the event's patriotic undertones. Through these efforts, NASCAR is not only delivering a challenging new street course but also strengthening its ties with important community sectors, blending high-octane sports entertainment with meaningful public appreciation and celebration.