Naval Base Coronado Hosts Speed Festival During San Diego Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Naval Base Coronado Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The 13th annual Coronado Speed Festival took place aboard Naval Base Coronado Sept. 24-26 as part of San Diego Fleet Week.

The festival showcased three days of vintage car racing and static displays of military equipment and aircraft.

In addition to pleasing car enthusiasts, the Coronado Speed Festival also honored San Diego's Sailors and Marines who serve and protect the country. Free admission was offered for active duty military and their family members throughout the weekend.

"This is the fleet week premier event that Fleet Week's staff plans," said William Baugh, Coronado Speed Festival executive committee co-chairman. "The Coronado Speed Festival benefits the Navy and Marine Corps morale and welfare programs."

As part of the opening day activities, Sailors were given the opportunity to join the race car drivers in their vintage and current-model race cars on the track.

"It was an exhilarating ride," said Machinery Repairman 1st Class (SW) Regibert Agustino, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. "Every time the car turned the corners, it felt like we were going to tip over."

This year the festival celebrated the rich race heritage of Shelby American cars, from the legendary Cobra and the Daytona Coupe to the GT40 and GT350.

"I was riding in the Shelby Mustang, and it was the most exciting experience of my life," said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Austin Bolter, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303. "I was kind of scared for a second, but I would do that a million times if I could."

Local car fanatics also visited the car corral which featured a variety of new and classic automobiles on display.

The Coronado Speed Festival is the only auto racing venue in the world held on an active U.S. Navy runway. In addition to the races, a landing craft air cushion display, Navy Leap Frogs parachute team performances, and flyovers took place during the weekend event.