NASCAR Arrives in San Diego for 2026 Street Races at Coronado Naval Base
A New Era for Racing in San Diego
In 2026, the racing world will witness a historic event as the sanctioning body returns to Southern California with its first-of-its-kind street races at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This announcement marks a significant milestone, not only for the sport but also for the community and military base that will host the event.
The San Diego Weekend is set to be a three-day spectacle, featuring some of the most popular series in the sport. The Craftsman Truck Series will headline on Friday, June 19, followed by the Xfinity Series on June 20, and culminating with the Cup stars in the feature event on June 21. This event will be the first ever contested on an active military base, adding a unique layer of excitement and significance.
San Diego will join the ranks of other cities that have hosted street races, becoming just the second such location in the modern era. The Chicago Street Course has been a staple for the past three seasons, and now San Diego is set to make its mark. The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, making it a special celebration of both the nation’s history and the military's contributions.
Ben Kennedy, the executive vice president and chief venue & racing innovation officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy, 250th anniversary of our country and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026.” He added that he is bullish on the event being the best sporting event of the year.
A Historic Partnership
Naval Base Coronado will become the first active military base to host a racing event, encompassing eight military facilities stretching from San Clemente Island to the La Posta Mountain Warfare Training Facility. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it embodies the American spirit through speed, precision, and excellence. Hosting the race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, is not just a historic first but a tribute to the values of grit, teamwork, and love of country.
The official San Diego street course layout is still under development, with visions forming through driving on the base and using iRacing. This approach mirrors previous projects like the Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Chicago Street Race. Ben Kennedy described the track as a blend of traditional street racing, with drivers expected to wind through streets on the base, pass aircraft carriers, and eventually go out onto the tarmac near military aircraft.
A Unique Experience
Kennedy noted that part of the course will be set in stone due to the limitations of the base, while other sections will offer a blank canvas for creativity. The final layout is expected to look unlike anything seen before, with configurations including hairpins, chicanes, S-turns, and long straightaways. Feedback from drivers has already been gathered, and more details will be shared later this fall.
The San Diego street race will be the final event of Prime Video’s five-race window of broadcast coverage for Cup racing in 2026, with the Xfinity Series race airing on The CW and Trucks on FOX Sports. Captain Loren Jacobi, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado, expressed pride in partnering with the sanctioning body for the 250th anniversary celebration, highlighting the shared pride in the nation’s heritage.
A Return to Southern California
This event marks the sanctioning body’s return to Southern California for the first time since February 2024, when the Clash at the LA Coliseum kicked off the season. From 1997 through 2023, the organization raced in Fontana, California, at California Speedway. Kennedy explained that the decision to host the event at Naval Base Coronado was influenced by the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Navy, the natural ties to the military, and the strategic location between downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and Tijuana.
To coordinate the event, the sanctioning body is partnering with nonprofit Sports San Diego for operational and promotional support. This partnership aims to drive visitor demand and economically benefit the San Diego region. Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego, highlighted the significance of the event, calling it a huge win for the city and emphasizing the positive impact on tourism and hospitality.
A Growing Trend
The addition of a street race on a military base continues the growing trend of the sanctioning body pushing boundaries. After hosting an exhibition race inside the LA Coliseum for three years and creating a world-class street course in Chicago, the organization is setting new ground. Kennedy noted that this event emphasizes the versatility of drivers and the diverse schedule of races, which includes different track types.
Tickets for the 2026 San Diego Weekend will go on sale this fall, with advance pricing available for deposits. Fans can visit SanDiego.com for more information and updates. Follow @SanDiego on social media for additional details and elements of the weekend.