San Diego Racer Austin Varco Aims for Hometown NASCAR Debut

Varco uses his platform to increase exposure to his sport through Race4Autism events.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:53am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a NASCAR race at Naval Base Coronado, with the vibrant colors of the race cars and the military setting creating a dynamic, high-energy composition.A cubist interpretation of the upcoming NASCAR race at Naval Base Coronado, where local driver Austin Varco hopes to make his hometown debut.San Diego Today

25-year-old San Diego native Austin Varco, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD as a teenager, is hoping to land a spot in the upcoming NASCAR truck series race at Naval Base Coronado. Varco has been working his way up through the NASCAR ranks and started the Race4Autism organization to bring racing experiences to those with autism and other disabilities.

Why it matters

Varco's story highlights the challenges faced by those with autism and other neurological differences in pursuing their passions, as well as the power of sports to build community and provide opportunities. His hometown NASCAR debut could be a major milestone not just for his racing career, but for increasing representation and accessibility in motorsports.

The details

Varco, who grew up in a racing family, has been planning for a move to the NASCAR Cup Series for years. The upcoming race at Naval Base Coronado, just minutes from where Varco went to school, represents the perfect opportunity for his hometown debut. Varco has been actively reaching out to NASCAR owners in hopes of securing a spot in the truck series race, which would be a potential springboard to more opportunities.

  • The NASCAR Cup Series will be coming to Naval Base Coronado in June 2026.
  • Varco was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 20 while attending USC.

The players

Austin Varco

A 25-year-old San Diego native who has been working his way up through the NASCAR ranks and started the Race4Autism organization to bring racing experiences to those with autism and other disabilities.

Race4Autism

An organization founded by Austin Varco to provide racing experiences and increase exposure to motorsports for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“I have to do this.”

— Austin Varco, NASCAR Driver

“The minute I heard about it I fired off some texts. There's not any other race on the calendar I'm excited about except this one.”

— Austin Varco, NASCAR Driver

“I think for a while it was a negative thing and then it became incredibly positive. I was granted all these tools that helped me be successful when I needed it.”

— Austin Varco, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

Varco is actively working to secure a spot in the upcoming NASCAR truck series race at Naval Base Coronado, which could be a major milestone in his racing career.

The takeaway

Austin Varco's story demonstrates the power of sports to provide opportunities and build community for individuals with autism and other disabilities. His hometown NASCAR debut could inspire more representation and accessibility in motorsports.