Van Gisbergen asegura el primer lugar para la histórica carrera de NASCAR en Coronado ● UPDATING

Shane van Gisbergen captured the pole position for the first-ever NASCAR race held on Naval Base Coronado near San Diego, turning a blistering 2-minute, 14.788-second lap around the 16-turn, 3.4-mile temporary street course. His time easily outpaced the competition, placing him well ahead of Carson Hocevar in the qualifying session on June 20, 2026.

The historic race marks a significant milestone for both NASCAR and the military base, as it is the first time a major stock car event has been staged on an active U.S. Navy installation.

The course winds through the base's roads and waterfront, offering stunning views of San Diego Bay and the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, which served as a dramatic backdrop.

Van Gisbergen, a New Zealand native and three-time Supercars champion, has quickly adapted to NASCAR's Next Gen car. His pole-winning lap demonstrated exceptional precision and speed on the tight, technical circuit, which features several sharp corners and elevation changes.

The 2:14.788 lap was nearly half a second faster than Hocevar's best effort, highlighting van Gisbergen's dominance in qualifying.

"It's incredible to be part of history here at Coronado," van Gisbergen said after the session. "The course is challenging, but the atmosphere is amazing.

We're all excited to put on a great show for the sailors and the fans."

The race weekend has drawn thousands of active-duty personnel, their families, and racing enthusiasts to the base. Officials have emphasized the event's role in boosting morale and showcasing the Navy's support for community engagements.

The main race is scheduled for Sunday, with van Gisbergen starting from the front of the field.

Carson Hocevar will start alongside van Gisbergen on the front row, followed by other top qualifiers. The race is expected to be a highlight of the NASCAR calendar, combining high-speed competition with a unique military setting.