NASCAR Confirms San Diego for 2026

NASCAR will establish a new street racing tradition in San Diego which will become its West Coast racing event for 2026.

The newly established event at Naval Base Coronado in Southern California will take the place of Chicago on the Cup Series schedule according to NASCAR. The company has announced its strategic decision to expand its NASCAR presence through street racing events at unique urban locations and military bases.

The street circuit at Coronado will use sections of the naval base and its bordering roads to build a high-speed track that follows the shoreline of San Diego Bay. A prominent motorsport competition becomes the first to operate on an operational military base in the United States through US Navy support and widespread local support.

Senior Vice President Ben Kennedy of NASCAR described the new venue as a “one-time racing opportunity at a legendary base” and praised San Diego for its perfect combination of military heritage and urban facilities with natural landscapes.

According to Kennedy the partnership between NASCAR and the Navy will bring a street racing event to this outstanding city which makes him extremely proud.

The Chicago Street Race concluded its three-year operation in 2025 with sold-out attendance and unpredictable weather conditions while delivering several unforgettable victories including Shane van Gisbergen’s debut victory in 2023. The street racing event ceased operations due to political issues and uncertain permits as well as public opposition yet NASCAR remains committed to street racing as its main expansion method.

The naval base at Coronado supports eight military facilities, with the BUD/S SEAL training base being its most renowned installation. The San Diego race will be part of a military tribute festival which includes planned tributes alongside public events and base access for fans and partners.

All details about the course design, along with support category lineup and broadcast information, will become available this year. NASCAR announced the San Diego race will join the 2026 Cup Series schedule during the middle of the year.

Tickets are on sale https://www.nascarsandiego.com/

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