🏁 NASCAR Nears Deal for 2026 San Diego Street Race

Deal Confirmed—Announcement Imminent

Reports from RACER (via Kelly Crandall), TobyChristie.com, and Jayski state that NASCAR and the city of San Diego have reached an agreement to host a Cup Series street race in 2026, with an official announcement expected as soon as next week  .

Filling the Southern California Void

This event marks NASCAR’s return to Southern California—an absence since the closure of the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana following its final points race in 2023  . The league has been exploring new California venues, including Chicago and Mexico City, for street-course expansion.

Location Possibilities—Downtown or Coronado?

Multiple insiders suggest that the circuit could be set amidst San Diego’s urban core or possibly on Coronado Island—a scenic resort peninsula across the bay  . The exact track layout and venue remain undecided, but the Coronado option is gaining popularity due to its unique setting and fewer logistical complications near the Gaslamp District  .

📅 2026 Schedule Outlook

Street-Race Trend Continues With Chicago’s three-year contract wrapping up in 2025, NASCAR could have two street races in 2026—Chicago and San Diego—with the possibility of Chicago taking a break  . Schedule Adjustments Coming The total Cup schedule currently caps at 38 events (36 points races + 2 exhibitions). To accommodate San Diego, NASCAR would need to drop or shift an existing race  .

🎙 Why It Matters

Strategic Market Return Southern California remains a crucial NASCAR audience hub. Replacing Fontana with San Diego aims to tap into that market’s urban demographics and tourism appeal  . Street Racing Momentum Following the success of the Chicago street event since 2023, NASCAR is leaning further into street-course formats—San Diego would be its second  . Milestone for Diversity Coupled with events like Mexico City and Chicago, San Diego would help expand NASCAR’s reach beyond traditional oval circuits and U.S. boundaries.

🔍 What Now & What to Watch

Official Confirmation: Expect a formal announcement from NASCAR and city officials imminently. Route & Permitting: Once confirmed, city planners will fine-tune the circuit layout, weighing factors like road closures, public access, safety, and fan experience. Schedule Reshuffle: NASCAR will reveal the full 2026 calendar by late summer or early fall, including updates on Chicago, Mexico City, and potential dropped venues.

📌 Final Take

NASCAR’s budding deal with San Diego underscores its commitment to storytelling—and spectacle—in urban landscapes. A street race brimming with ocean views, downtown skyline, and horsepower could be just the tonic NASCAR seeks to enrich fan engagement and national footprint. Stay tuned—this could be one of the biggest moves in the sport’s recent history.