NASCAR To Race At San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado In 2026

NASCAR is enlisting in the U.S. Navy. The stock car racing series has confirmed that it is holding an event at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado on Father’s day weekend in 2026.

All three national series will compete on a temporary three-mile-long track set up on the Naval Air Station North Island.

“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado,” Ben Kennedy, EVP, Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer said in a news release.

“NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”

The track design is still being finalized, but the plan is to hold the Truck Series race on Friday, the Xfinity Series race on Saturday and the Cup Series race on Sunday. The amateur Coronado Speed Festival vintage car racing event was previously held at the facility from 1997-2016.

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country,” Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan. said “From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR. We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who wear the uniform, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.”

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The San Diego weekend essentially replaces the Chicago Street Race on the NASCAR schedule. NASCAR will not be holding the Chicago event in 2026 as it discusses changes with the city to potentially bring it. back in 2027.

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It will also mark the first points races in the Southern California market since the last race held at the now-demolished Auto Club Speedway in Fontana in 2023. NASCAR had been planning to build a half-mile oval on the Fontana property, but the project has not yet moved forward.