NASCAR is set to make motorsports history once again by bringing its second-ever street race—and first on an active military base—to Naval Base Coronado in Southern California.

The event, scheduled for June 19-21, 2026, will replace the downtown Chicago street race that has been held for the past three years.

This strategic move to the San Diego area is not a permanent departure from Chicago, according to NASCAR.

The organization will maintain an office in the Windy City and continues to explore opportunities for a future return, potentially as early as 2027.

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Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

The 2026 race will coincide with a milestone celebration—the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

NASCAR plans to commemorate the occasion with a full weekend of racing, hosting all three of its national series over three action-packed days at Naval Base Coronado.

“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,” said Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer.

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Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

“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.”

Kennedy has been a central figure in expanding NASCAR’s reach, pushing the sport into new markets and unique venues.

His vision brought racing to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and downtown Chicago, helped engineer this year’s return to Mexico City, and now leads the charge into San Diego.

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

His innovative approach continues to reshape how and where NASCAR delivers its product.

This new race will mark a significant moment in NASCAR history—not just for its location but for its symbolism.

Hosting a high-speed, precision motorsport event on a base that serves as the "West Coast Quarterdeck" of the Navy is a powerful way to celebrate American excellence and unity.

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” said Navy Secretary John C. Phelan.

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

“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.

“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.”

Naval Base Coronado is a consortium of nine Navy installations stretching from San Clemente Island, 50 miles off the coast of Long Beach, to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility located 50 miles east of San Diego.

The exact layout of the course has not yet been finalized, but NASCAR officials expect it to span approximately 3 miles, weaving through the base’s facilities.

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

The move to Naval Base Coronado comes at a time of significant transition in NASCAR’s western presence.

Auto Club Speedway closed after its 2023 event, and the temporary short track at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—which operated from 2022 to 2024—was recently shifted to North Carolina.

Bringing the race to San Diego not only fills that regional gap but also taps into the area's rich military heritage and passionate fan base. NASCAR has named Amy Lupo as president of the event.

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / NASCAR, US Navy, DoW

Lupo has been instrumental in launching NASCAR’s recent innovations, including the Coliseum race, and brings deep experience from her two-decade career at ESPN, where she helped grow the X Games.

A long-time Southern California resident, Lupo’s leadership will be key to ensuring the success of the San Diego debut.

With the unique setting, patriotic spirit, and high-speed spectacle promised by the NASCAR San Diego Weekend, the 2026 event is poised to be a landmark moment in the sport's ongoing evolution.

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