This has not been an easy time for NASCAR.
The death of Kyle Busch four weeks ago is still affecting drivers and the entire sport.
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“What happened was shocking beyond belief,” two-time and defending NASCAR champion Kyle Larson said Monday ahead of this weekend’s races at Naval Base Coronado. “I can’t speak for everybody, but for myself, Kyle’s death is still on my mind. It’s hard to believe he’s not here anymore.”
Larson is far from the only driver struggling to cope with the loss of Busch. The 63-time Cup champion died May 21 after his severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis. He was 41.
“I don’t think anyone recovers very quickly from something like this,” said three-time champion Joey Logano. “These have been challenging moments for everyone. It’s been tough to adjust to what the normal looks like.”
Said Larson: “The sport has done a good job of honoring Kyle while going on. He meant a lot for our sport. It’s just hard not to see him at the track every week.”
And this weekend, NASCAR comes to Naval Station Coronado for an historic event. Sunday’s Anduril 250 marks NASCAR’s first race on a military base and the first-ever Cup race held in San Diego County.
NASCAR’s San Diego weekend is also a way to celebrate the nation’s and the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday.
“This event is huge for us,” Larson said. “Last week at Pocono, you could feel the excitement of the anticipation around the garages, the pits. It’s a huge opportunity and one that all of us in the sport are proud to take part in.
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“It gives us a chance to showcase our military and what they mean to us as an industry, a sport and individuals. As a group, we think it’s going to be pretty awesome to race on a Naval base, plus having all the things that are probably going to come along with it.
“We’re pumped. I know the drivers are pumped. There’s been a lot of talk. We’re really excited to get onto the Coronado base this weekend. We’re looking forward to a fun and memorable event, no matter how it turns out. It should be a good time for us for sure.
“It’s more than a race. There’s a bigger picture we’re all going to be part of, including the servicemen who had welcomed us to their spot.”
And while former champions Larson, Denny Hamlin and Logano are stronger on ovals than road courses and temporary street courses like Coronado, all have expressed excitement about next Sunday’s 255-mile race on the 3.4-mile, 16-turn circuit that will take Cup drivers past parked jets and helicopters and an aircraft carrier.
“I like challenges,” Larson said, “and this course will be a challenge.”
After a slow start to the season, Larson has steadily climbed back in the standings. He ran fifth Sunday at Pocono.
“I’ve been pleased with the performance the past several weeks,” said Larson. “I’m happy with the work and progress the team has made. We’ll get a win here shortly.”
That recent progress has come on ovals where Larson is strongest. “I’m more confident on an oval,” he said. “I’ve won on road courses. If we hit the balance right, we can do it. We’re confident on ovals and road courses, too.”
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Meanwhile, Hamlin scored his third straight win Sunday at Pocono.