In a historic blend of horsepower and patriotism, NASCAR is taking its next-generation racing machines onto an active military base—Naval Base Coronado in San Diego—for the inaugural “NASCAR San Diego Weekend.” Set for June 19–21, 2026, this event marks the first NASCAR street course on an active naval installation and aligns with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy .
🗓 Triple-Header Weekend
Friday, June 19 – Craftsman Truck Series Saturday, June 20 – Xfinity Series Sunday, June 21 – NASCAR Cup Series, headlined by a prime-time finish on Father’s Day .
🌊 A Unique Venue: Seamless Fusion of Speedway and Military
The roughly 3-mile course will weave through base streets and onto runways and tarmacs, with iconic aircraft carriers and F‑18 Super Hornets providing the backdrop . Expect a dynamic mix of technical turns and lengthy straightaways designed through advanced track modeling and iRacing simulations .
🎖 Symbolism & Strategy
Commemorative synergy: The race celebrates Navy pride and American history during the Navy’s 250th anniversary . National reach: It fills the Southern California slot vacated by the Chicago street race, reestablishing NASCAR’s presence in the market . Military partnerships: An ideal match with Naval Base Coronado, nicknamed the “West Coast Quarterdeck,” symbolizing resilience and innovation .
💬 Voices from the Helm
Ben Kennedy (NASCAR EVP, Venue & Racing Innovation) noted the shared values of “speed, precision and grit” between NASCAR and the Navy, adding that the base “has been a tremendous partner” .
Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan praised the event as a “powerful tribute” to Navy values—calling it more than a race, but “a mission” aligned with the service’s core ethos .
Jimmie Johnson, San Diego-native and NASCAR Hall of Famer, shared local excitement:
“From a San Diegan to hear those words, I was just smiling… this is really going to happen.”
🌆 Southern California Spectacle
Expect dramatic fan experiences: roaming general admission, military displays, and temporary grandstands overlooking naval runways. —NBC predicts “tens of thousands” in attendance, supported by Sports San Diego to boost tourism .
💡 What’s Next
Track layout – Final design expected this fall . Ticket info – Pre-sales and deposits available later this year via NASCARSanDiego.com . Broadcast – Cup race on Prime Video, Xfinity on The CW, Trucks on FOX Sports .
🎯 Final Take
From battleships to burnouts, this event isn’t just a race—it’s a mission-driven celebration of American spirit, the Navy’s legacy, and NASCAR’s vision of adventurous innovation. With technical course design, military precision, and veteran partnership, “NASCAR San Diego Weekend” promises to be a landmark event in motorsports.
