Brendan Gaughan to come out of retirement for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in San Diego

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Brendan Gaughan is set to return to NASCAR competition nearly six years after walking away from the sport.

The veteran driver will make his comeback in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. McAnally-Hilgemann Racing has confirmed that Gaughan will drive the No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado in one of the most unique events on the 2026 schedule.

The appearance will mark Gaughan’s first NASCAR national series start since October 2020. It will also be his first Truck Series race since competing at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2013.

A reunion with Bill McAnally helps bring Gaughan back

Gaughan’s return comes through a familiar partnership with Bill McAnally, a team owner who played a major role in his early racing career.

The two enjoyed considerable success together before Gaughan established himself as a national-series regular.

Before reaching NASCAR’s upper levels, Gaughan won consecutive Winston West championships for McAnally in 2000 and 2001.

McAnally was also involved in helping establish Orleans Racing, the organization where Gaughan earned much of his success in the Truck Series.

San Diego’s historic event creates a rare opportunity

The Navy 250 will be unlike any race currently on the NASCAR calendar. The event will take place at Naval Base Coronado, becoming NASCAR’s first race at the military installation overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The veteran returns with an extensive NASCAR resume behind him. Gaughan has collected eight Truck Series victories and more than 500 starts across NASCAR’s national divisions during a career spanning more than two decades.

The unique venue has generated significant attention across the sport. It also provides a fitting stage for a driver who has long been associated with West Coast stock car racing to make an unexpected return.

When the green flag waves on June 19, Gaughan will make his 504th NASCAR national series start. The race will also serve as his 218th Truck Series appearance, adding another chapter to a career many believed had already reached its final conclusion.