What’s Happening?
The inaugural San Diego street race delivered one of the most memorable events of the season, combining a unique venue with tire wear, strategy, passing opportunities, and multiple major storylines. Here’s how this race scored on the Groovy Gauge, powered by Lectric eBikes.
Groovy Gauge Score: 90%
- Eric said the racing was as good as or better than most recent Cup road-course races. He praised the tire wear, track character, elevation changes, and multiple racing lines, saying the course created opportunities for drivers to make mistakes and rewarded those who managed their equipment over long runs.
- Eric believes the race maintained a strong pace and entertainment throughout the afternoon. Despite lasting roughly three and a half hours, he felt the event flowed well, avoided major delays, and consistently delivered meaningful battles and strategic developments.
- Eric said the race produced an exceptional number of compelling storylines. From Corey Heim’s first Cup win to the Heim-Hocevar rivalry, SVG’s early exit, Bubba Wallace’s comeback, Kevin Magnussen’s debut, and several dramatic incidents, Eric felt there was always something important happening.
- Eric believes the atmosphere elevated the overall product. He described the crowd as highly engaged, noted fans reacting loudly to battles throughout the field, and felt the setting at Naval Base Coronado added a unique energy that made the race feel special.
- Eric ultimately awarded the race a 90% Groovy Gauge score, calling it an outstanding event that succeeded both as a race and as a spectacle. While he acknowledged road racing is not everyone’s favorite style, he felt this race delivered excitement, memorable moments, and a venue worthy of NASCAR’s ambitious scheduling efforts.
2026 Groovy Gauge Score Tracker
| Race | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Clash at Bowman Gray | 50% | Watch HERE |
| Daytona 500 | 85% | Watch HERE |
| Atlanta | 90% | Watch HERE |
| COTA | 65% | Watch HERE |
| Phoenix | 75% | Watch HERE |
| Las Vegas | 55% | Watch HERE |
| Darlington | 68% | Watch HERE |
| Martinsville | 45% | Watch HERE |
| Bristol | 70% | Watch HERE |
| Kansas | 50% | Watch HERE |
| Talladega | 30% | Watch HERE |
| Texas | 65% | Watch HERE |
| Watkins Glen | 70% | Watch HERE |
| Dover | 66% | Watch HERE |
| Coca-Cola 600 | 70% | Watch HERE |
| Nashville | 88% | Watch HERE |
| Michigan | 77% | Watch HERE |
| Pocono | 55% | Watch HERE |
| San Diego | 90% | Watch HERE |