HAMPTON, Va. — I caught up with Mason “Fastlane” Weakley at Langley Speedway before a race on the same track that has hosted NASCAR greats like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jimmy Johnson. The 13-year-old Virginia Beach driver is already winning races and has his sights set on a career in NASCAR.

“I like the adrenaline rush. I like the speed. The competition’s very close. I like the whole atmosphere around the track,” said Mason.

“He eats, sleeps and breathes racing, so the passion is what makes me have the nerve to watch him week after week,” said his mom, Angela Weakley, with a smile.

Mason has been racing cars since he was 5.

“His middle name is Lane, but we call him Fastlane because he always wanted to be fast. Walking was too slow,” his mom added.

Mason started off racing go-karts and is now competing in legend cars, which are smaller-scale race cars. He is following in the footsteps of racing icon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who got his start in the legend car division.

Last year, Mason was the youngest driver in the legend class at Langley, and he won the last race of the season.

“These multi-track champions out here in their 20s and 30s—he’s racing against grown men,” said his dad, Billy Weakley, proudly.

Mason’s dad acts as his spotter.

“I’m his eyes and ears in the sky. We’re in two-way communication with the driver, telling him things like who’s around him and how clear he is behind another car,” said Billy.

This is a family effort, with twin sister Hannah helping on the sidelines.

“She’s more like emotional support. She helps with my nerves, obviously, and gives me congratulations. She’s an all-around good person to have at the track,” Mason said.

“I’m like, ‘Go, go! But be careful. Don’t do something crazy,'” said his sister.

Mason was the Young Lion Virginia State Champion last year, in the division just below semi-pro.

I wondered how he was allowed to race a car at 80 miles per hour when he doesn’t even have a driver’s license.

“I got a special racing license that comes with years of experience in go-karting and other lower divisions around these short tracks,” said Mason.

“He loves it, and it’s something we do as a family. We travel a lot. He’s stayed in more hotels on 95 than I’ve stayed in my whole life already,” his dad said.

“The next step would be full-body stock cars, running around these short tracks, and hopefully getting recognized by a big team, getting a lot of funding to make it to NASCAR,” said Mason.

Remember the name Mason “Fastlane” Weakley, as he is on the fast track to victory lane and is positively Hampton Roads.

NASCAR will take all three of its national series to San Diego next year with a street race on the Naval Base Coronado.

The inaugural event, announced on Wednesday, will take place from June 19 to 21, 2026. It will be the first time a NASCAR event has run on an active military base, the second street course event in Cup Series history, and also help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.

The course layout will be announced at a later date.

“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado,” said Ben Kennedy, EVP, Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer. “NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”

San Diego will be the final race of the five-race Prime Video window of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2026. The Xfinity Series race will be broadcast on the CW, and the Craftsman Truck Series race will be broadcast on Fox Sports.

The event brings NASCAR back to Southern California for the first time since 2023 with a points-paying race. NASCAR last raced in the region in 2024 with the non-point Clash exhibition race at the L.A. Coliseum, which was moved to North Carolina earlier this year. Sonoma Raceway was NASCAR’s only visit to the state this year.

Naval Base Coronado has nine Navy installations that stretch from San Clemente Island (50 miles off the coast of Long Beach) to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility (50 miles east of San Diego). The base supports the Navy’s mission by providing force generation infrastructure to support U.S. warfighters, while also offering services to sailors and their families.

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country,” said Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan. “From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR. We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who wear the uniform, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.”

Amy Lupo will serve as president of the NASCAR San Diego event. Lupo, who lives in Southern California, joined NASCAR in 2021 and played a part in the launch of the Clash at the L.A. Coliseum. She previously worked for ESPN, where her resume includes roles with the X Games.

“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado,” Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer, said Wednesday. “NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”

It will be NASCAR’s second street race in the sport’s history, following the three-year run in Chicago, and first on an active military base. The course layout is not complete but is expected to be around 3 miles.

NASCAR has seen Auto Club Speedway close after the 2023 race. It built a temporary short track inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 2002 through 2024 but moved that event to North Carolina.

Kennedy, who has been bullish on new endeavors for his family business, was the brains of the races at the Coliseum, Chicago, this year’s visit to Mexico City and now next year in San Diego, a venture the Navy is excited about.

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” Navy Secretary John C. Phelan said. “Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country.

“From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR.”

The base is known as the “West Coast Quarterdeck” and is a consortium of nine Navy installations that stretch from San Clemente Island 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility 50 miles east of San Diego.

NASCAR named Amy Lupo, who has been with the series since 2021 and helped launch the Coliseum, as president of the race. She spent more than 20 years at ESPN expanding the X Games when she lived in San Diego early in her career. She still lives in Southern California.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame & Museum
| Pickerington, OH

Take a ride through motorcycle history at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame & Museum. With an impressive collection of bikes, hands-on exhibits and stories of the legends who shaped the sport, this place is a two-wheeled time machine. Marvel at vintage classics and cutting-edge machines, delve into the evolution of motorcycling and don’t forget to hit the brakes at the gift shop for some motor merch.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum | Leeds, AL

Hold onto your helmet—this museum is a high-octane playground packed with the world’s largest motorcycle collection. With bikes everywhere you look (literally), you’ll need your head on a swivel to take it all in. Beyond bikes, you can admire rare Ferraris and other cars. Need to catch your breath? Explore the sculpture garden, where giant metal bugs like spiders and dragonflies add an artsy (and slightly creepy) twist to your visit.

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing | Ocala, FL

Celebrating the legendary “Big Daddy” himself, the Don Garlits Museum is perfect for anyone who loves speed, big personalities and amazing machines. Cruise through the Drag Racing Hall of Fame and check out racing paraphernalia while you envision the glory days of the sport. Need a pit stop? Snap a selfie with the outrageous Yellow Fang streamliner and snag some racing swag from the gift shop before you burn rubber out of there.

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame | Dawsonville, GA

Go full-throttle at Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, where history, horsepower and Southern charm combine for an immersive experience. Celebrating the birthplace of stock car racing and NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, you can get up close to vintage racers like Red Byron’s 1948 machine and wander through the Elliott family hall. Feeling the need for speed? Strap into the state-of-the-art iRacing simulator for a wild ride (no license required).

Harley-Davidson Museum | Milwaukee, WI

Cruise to the Harley-Davidson Museum, home to more than 450 iconic Harleys, including the very first one and a custom chopper once owned by Elvis. Channel your inner rebel while you strike a pose on a real bike in the Experience Gallery. Outside, snap a selfie by the towering bronze rider and explore a replica of the original backyard shed where it all began. Ready to refuel? You can enjoy a burger at the MotorBar before riding off into the sunset.

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum | Kent, WA

Looking for a day of boat-building workshops and stories about hydroplane racing? At Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, you can do all that and more. The only museum in the U.S. dedicated to the thrilling world of powerboat racing puts you up close to vintage hydroplanes. Watch rare racing footage about racing legends, peek inside the Restoration Shop to see old boats revitalized and climb into the cockpit of a real raceboat.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
| Indianapolis, IN

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, you’re not just learning about racing, you’re experiencing it. Delve into racing history through hands-on exhibits and snap a selfie in the winner’s circle. You can go behind the scenes of the iconic speedway, then climb into the cockpit of a real race car for the thrill of a lifetime. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the ride, this museum will leave you feeling turbo-charged.

International Motorsports Hall of Fame
| Talladega, AL

Looking for a full-throttle adventure? Race into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame to browse more than 140 authentic race cars—from classic stock cars to sleek motorcycles and legendary NASCAR machines. See where the legends like the Alabama Gang made history at the adjacent Talladega Superspeedway. And for a wild twist, don’t miss the wrecked car exhibits that show just how intense and dangerous the world of racing can be.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
| Daytona Beach, FL

Celebrating the achievements of racing legends and inspiring fans and future generations of racers, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is a must-see for racing enthusiasts. From stock and sports cars to motorcycles, powerboats and even aviation, the exhibits and memorabilia pay homage to the history of racing and the drivers who made it iconic. Complement your visit with a tour of world-famous Daytona International Speedway.

Museum of American Speed | Lincoln, NE

A playground for hot rod enthusiasts and high-speed thrill seekers, the Museum of American Speed offers three floors of exhibits featuring antique cars, automotive toys and unique finds like vintage lunchboxes and autographed guitars. Explore the evolution of the Model T, take a ride on the working car merry-go-round and marvel at classic motorcycles. Before peeling out, swing by the gift shop for a cool ball cap or keychain.

NASCAR Hall of Fame | Charlotte, NC

Unleash your inner speed demon at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you can become a race car driver, a broadcast legend or pit crew worker. Zoom through interactive exhibits, hop into cutting-edge racing simulators and visit the Gear Shop for Champ the Cheetah souvenirs. Got kids in tow? They’ll love the life-sized Lightning McQueen. And with the Pit Stop Cafe, you can cross the finish line fueled for your next adventure.

North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame
| Mooresville, NC

Step in to the heart of racing country at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, home to legendary memorabilia, photos and artifacts celebrating motorsports legends from stock car pioneers to modern-day NASCAR heroes. Feel the rush in a racing simulator or relive jaw-dropping moments with videos of crazy finishes and crashes. And keep your eyes peeled—you’re deep in racing territory so a real driver sighting is possible.

Petersen Automotive Museum | Los Angeles, CA

If speed, style and shiny things on wheels get your motor running, then the Petersen Automotive Museum is your dream garage come to life. Wander through an impressive collection that includes Hollywood movie cars, classic hot rods and futuristic concept vehicles. Still not enough? Head to the secret Vault to check out more than 300 ultra-rare rides. It’s not just a walk-through; racing simulators add to the thrills.

Richard Childress Racing Museum | Welcome, NC

Racing history comes roaring to life at the Richard Childress Racing Museum, where you can get up close to real race cars, interact with the displays and peek inside pit boxes packed with team gear, uniforms and cool memorabilia. Explore early stock cars, championship rides, the history of how RCR shaped racing, and the iconic black No. 3 that made Dale Earnhardt a household name. It’s like scoring a backstage pass to the fast lane.

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
| Philadelphia, PA

Take a joy ride through the evolution of racing at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, home to more than 75 legendary sports cars that once tore up tracks like Le Mans. Want to see and hear history in motion? Visit on a live demo day, when the museum fires up selected cars for a loop through the parking lot. Keep your camera on—there are plenty of photo-worthy backdrops for snapping pics with some seriously cool rides.

Snowmobile Hall of Fame | St. Germain, WI

Dedicated to preserving the history of snowmobiling as both a hobby and a sport, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame features two buildings packed with vintage sleds, wild prototypes and legendary race machines—from oval-track racers to water-cross champs. For even more thrills, time your visit with one of the hall’s epic events like Ride with the Champs or the Induction Banquet, where you can meet snowmobile legends and snag autographs.

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Our Featured Panelists

Cherith Glover Fluker

Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer. She specializes in travel, self-care, and lifestyle content. With a blend of experience, creativity, and Southern warmth, Cherith’s writing resonates with readers seeking inspiration and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, SheBuysTravel, LakeLife 24/7, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Motherly and more. She also shares her voice on her blog www.WhatCherithinks.com. Cherith grew up in a sports-loving family and continues to find joy in catching games and events at fun venues. She’s especially drawn to how local sports culture reflects a city’s identity, energy, and untold stories.

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Susan Lanier-Graham is the founder and publisher of WanderWithWonder.com and an accomplished storyteller, journalist and creative strategist. With more than 75 published books and hundreds of articles to her name, she crafts content that informs, inspires and connects with readers through authenticity and purpose. Susan’s sports journey began on horseback and grew to include a passion for horse racing, basketball, soccer, and motorsports. She played basketball in junior high and high school and remains a devoted fan. She’s also drawn to the global energy of soccer fans and is an avid NASCAR enthusiast, having taken hot laps at top tracks across the country.

Amy Piper

Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer, and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. A native Michigander, she travels through the lens of a food lover and has visited 47 countries and 45 states. Amy is also a collegiate sports fan, and she frequently travels to see her favorite team, the University of Michigan in action on the field. A favorite traveling, sports memory is seeing her beloved Wolverines win the Rose Bowl. You can follow her adventures at www.FollowthePiper.com.

Karon Warren

The daughter of a drag racer, Karon Warren was born with a need for speed. She routinely visits NASCAR tracks and NHRA dragways around the country to see her favorite racers in action. When she’s not watching racing, she writes for a variety of outlets, including USA Today’s 10Best, U.S. News & World Report, AAA, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She also is the author of 100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die. For more on Karon and her travels, check out www.thisgirltravels.com.

NASCAR announced on Wednesday that they will be holding events at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego in the coming year. This will mark the first time NASCAR has ever held racing events at a military base.

The Cup Series will culminate with street races on June 19-21, 2020. The races coincident with the 250th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Navy.

In a press release, Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president said that the race would be a mix of street racing and traditional street racing. They’ll be passing (aircraft) carrier. “They’ll go out on the tarmac and probably pass some military aircraft. Maybe there are a few F-18s, then head back to the entrance of the base.”

NASCAR will return to Southern California after a long absence. The first race in Southern California since February 2024. From 2022-24, the series held the Clash at Coliseum in Los Angeles.

From 1997 to 2023, NASCAR hosted events at California Speedway Fontana.

Field Level Media

(source: Reuters)