NASCAR to Host First Race on Military Base with Special Tribute to George H.W. Bush

NASCAR is set to hold a historic race this weekend at a military installation. All three national series will compete on a new road course at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado. This event marks the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary.

In honor of the occasion, the Haas Factory Team has collaborated with Texas A&M University to unveil a unique livery. This design pays tribute to former Naval aviator and 41st U.S. president, George H.W. Bush. The special scheme will feature on driver Cole Custer’s No. 41 Chevrolet Camaro during the Anduril 250: Race the Base.

“We’ve been thrilled to help tell Texas A&M’s story the past two seasons, and we’re particularly proud to help tell this chapter,” said Haas Factory Team President Joe Custer. “President Bush lived one of the greatest American lives. We’re all better off today because of what he did for our country. For our team to race the No. 41 in tribute to him, and now celebrate all he stood for, is a rare honor.”

George H.W. Bush enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday, becoming one of the youngest Naval aviators during World War II. He served in the Pacific and survived being shot down in 1944.

His grandson, Sam Bush LeBlond, expressed how meaningful the tribute would be to the late president. “He often said that having a US Navy aircraft carrier named in his honor was among the proudest moments of his life,” LeBlond remarked. “It represented values that guided him throughout his life: service, duty, and love of country. I know he would be incredibly touched to see his legacy celebrated at Naval Base Coronado and proud to know this tribute is helping share those values with a new generation of Americans.”