CALIFORNIA – NASCAR announced, July 23, that it will return to Southern California in 2026 with its first-ever street races at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego.

NASCAR San Diego Weekend will feature three days of racing on an active military base, with events from June 19 to 21, including the Craftsman Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series.

San Diego will be NASCAR’s second modern-era street course. 

The Chicago Street Course hosted Cup and Xfinity action for three years, but NASCAR paused it for 2026 after its contract with the city expired.

Race coincides with U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary

The 2026 race weekend coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. 

Naval Base Coronado will become the first active military base to host NASCAR racing. The naval base spans eight military facilities from San Clemente Island to the La Posta Mountain Warfare Training Facility.

“We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who serve, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves,” said Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan.

Course details to be later revealed

Official San Diego street course details will be revealed later, with track plans developed through on-base driving and iRacing.

NASCAR previously used the racing simulator for the Clash at the LA Coliseum and the Chicago Street race.

The course will combine elements of traditional street racing with roads throughout the base, according to NASCAR’s executive vice president Ben Kennedy.

“They’ll be going past [aircraft] carriers. They’ll eventually go out onto the tarmac, probably by some military aircraft, maybe a couple of F-18s out there, and then back towards the entrance to the base,” said Kennedy.

Best and most versatile drivers

NASCAR said the addition of a street race on a military base continues the growing trend of its willingness to push its boundaries. 

“I think it emphasizes the fact that not only we can race literally anywhere in the world, but that we have some of the best and most versatile drivers in all of motorsports as well,” said Kennedy.