NASCAR Unveils New San Diego Street Race for 2026
A New Chapter for NASCAR: San Diego's Historic Street Course
Two years ago, the NASCAR Cup Series made history by hosting its first-ever street course race in Chicago. Since that debut, the event has become a unique and challenging test for drivers on the grid. Now, fans can look forward to another exciting addition to the calendar as NASCAR prepares to bring its high-octane racing to a new location.
In 2026, the sport will make its way to San Diego, where a brand-new street course will be introduced. This race will take place at Naval Base Coronado and will replace the Chicago Street Course on the schedule. The event is set to be a major highlight of the 2026 season and marks a significant milestone for the organization.
A Historic Venue with a Rich Legacy
The San Diego race weekend will feature three days of action, with the Craftsman Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series all competing on the second-ever street course in NASCAR history. This will also be the first time the sport has held a race on a naval base, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.
The race weekend coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, making it a special occasion for both the military and motorsports communities. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, expressed his excitement about the event, calling it “the most anticipated event of 2026” and predicting it could be the best sporting event of the year.
When Will the Race Take Place?
NASCAR’s race weekend in San Diego is scheduled for June 19-21, 2026, during Father’s Day weekend. This timing aligns with the Navy’s 250th anniversary and will see the event replacing the Pocono race from the 2025 calendar.
Designing the Course
While the official layout of the San Diego course has not been released yet, NASCAR officials have been working closely with the base to finalize the design. They have been driving around the base in person and using the popular racing simulation video game iRacing to help refine the track. This method was used successfully for previous events like the Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum and the Chicago street race.
The course is expected to include streets from Naval Air Station North Island and parts of the runway tarmac. Officials estimate the circuit will be approximately three miles long, significantly longer than the Chicago Street Course, which measures 2.14 miles.
Kennedy described the course as a blend of traditional street racing, with drivers navigating through the base’s streets and eventually heading onto the tarmac. He mentioned that the route might pass by aircraft carriers and even feature military aircraft such as F-18s.
Why San Diego?
San Diego has long been a key location for NASCAR. From 1997 through 2024, the Cup Series had an annual race in Southern California, with only 2021 being an exception due to the pandemic. The 2025 season will mark the first time since 1996 that there is no race in the area for non-restricted reasons.
NASCAR officials cited several factors that made the naval base an attractive choice, including its strong military ties, the availability of both tarmac and street sections, and the scenic backdrop of downtown San Diego.
Kennedy explained that while they considered several locations, the military base stood out due to its proximity to the Navy’s 250th anniversary and its strategic location between downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and Tijuana.
Future of NASCAR in Chicago
Although the 2026 season will not see NASCAR return to Chicago, the organization has not ruled out a potential future return. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming San Diego event, which promises to be a landmark moment in the sport’s history.
Looking Ahead
While the exact number of events has not been confirmed, it is likely that San Diego will host at least three races, similar to the Chicago and Los Angeles Coliseum events. This move highlights NASCAR’s continued efforts to expand its reach and offer fans new and exciting experiences across the country.