Retirement in NASCAR sometimes doesn't mean completely stepping away from the sport. While some veterans chose to close the chapter for good, drivers like Brendan Gaughan return to the track when it feels right.

This weekend's NASCAR visit to Qualcomm Circuit on Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, has lured many veteran drivers back to the track. Gaughan will be seen behind the wheel of the No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in the Truck Series. 

While this is a one-off racing opportunity for the veteran NASCAR driver, he has not completely dismissed the idea of returning to racing in the future. When asked by reporter Matt Weaver if this was his last ever appearance at the track, he replied:

"This was just one of those things where I couldn't pass up this opportunity. You know I never say never because if Ben Kennedy, Mike Helton, and Steve O’Donnell come up with something crazier than this? Sure, maybe I might want to do it. But as far as I know, this is it, and I've had a great time when I retired, and this is just kind of a little extra gravy."

For Brendan Gaughan, this will mark his first truck race in 13 years. His last race was at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2013. Before his retirement, Gaughan had a very successful career as he bagged eight wins, 47 top fives, and 80 top 10 finishes in 217 starts in the Truck series. 

However, Gaughan is not the only one coming out of retirement this weekend.

NASCAR’s Truck series sees the return of big names in San Diego

The one-of-a-kind San Diego street race has lured in some of the sport's biggest names out of retirement to race at the Truck Series race, the Navy 250, on Friday.

The race will see the return of the seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, who will be driving the No. 1 Tricon Garage truck. This will mark his first start in 17 years in the Truck Series.

Another big name joining the lineup is the 2010 Daytona 500 winner, Jamie McMurray, who will be driving Kaulig Racing’s No. 25 Ram truck, marking his first series start since 2008.

Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks will also be making his one-off return to the series in his rival Spire Motorsports' truck. He will be taking over the No. 77 truck, making his first appearance in the series since 2022. 

With veterans like Gaughan, Johnson, McMurray, and Marks coming out of retirement to race at the Navy 250, the event is bound to be special and a great lead-in to the rest of the weekend.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yash Kotak