U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will be waving the green flag when the NASCAR Cup Series races across an active military installation for the first time ever.
NASCAR announced Friday that Hegseth will serve as the honorary starter for the Anduril 250 on Sunday, June 21, which is on a street course race at Naval Base Coronado off the coast of San Diego.
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The news comes a day after Hegseth criticized NATO allies, calling on them to strengthen their military focus as the U.S. reviews troop deployments in Europe.
The NASCAR weekend at Naval Base Coronado aims to be one that celebrates the military. For Friday’s Navy 250 race in the Craftsman Truck Series, Rear Admiral Rich Jarrett — Commander of Navy Region Southwest — will serve as grand marshal, giving the famous “start your engines” command.
“The inaugural Navy 250 represents a historic celebration of our nation’s sea services, and this group of incredible leaders is the perfect way to kick off the NASCAR San Diego Weekend,” said Amy Lupo, NASCAR San Diego President. “We’re honored to welcome such an accomplished group of military leaders and community dignitaries whose service, leadership and commitment embody the spirit of this event.”
More: Ford, NASCAR partner on new Veterans Day exhibition race to honor military
Hegseth previously served in the Army National Guard, earning the rank of major. He was awarded two bronze stars during his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to becoming the Secretary of War during the second Trump Administration, he was a Fox News host and contributor.
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This isn’t Hegseth’s first experience with NASCAR. Last year, he was the grand marshal of one of the sport’s crown jewels, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. That race weekend is also typically a celebration of the U.S. military as it falls on Memorial Day weekend.
Sunday’s Cup Series race begins on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET with coverage on Amazon Prime. The 3.4-mile track is the longest that drivers will race on this season. Drivers will cover about 255 miles in 75 laps.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pete Hegseth will be the honorary starter for NASCAR race at U.S. Navy base
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