NASCAR is making history by bringing its high-octane racing to a new kind of venue: an active military base. In 2026, the sport will make its debut at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, marking a first for the organization. This event is not just another race; it’s a celebration of American heritage, featuring a unique track layout, fan experiences, and a deep connection to the United States Navy. Here’s what you need to know about this groundbreaking event.
The First NASCAR Race on an Active Military Base
For the first time in its history, NASCAR will hold a race on an active military installation. The event will take place at Naval Base Coronado, a sprawling complex that includes multiple Navy facilities, including Naval Air Station North Island. This location is known as the “West Coast Quarterdeck” and has been a key hub for the Pacific Fleet.
This marks a significant shift for NASCAR, which has traditionally held races on oval tracks or temporary street circuits in urban areas. The decision to bring the sport to a military base was made in honor of the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, creating a powerful blend of motorsports and national pride.
Race Dates and Schedule
The NASCAR San Diego Weekend is scheduled for June 19-21, 2026, coinciding with Father’s Day. This three-day event will feature all three of NASCAR’s top series:
- Friday, June 19: Craftsman Truck Series
- Saturday, June 20: Xfinity Series
- Sunday, June 21: NASCAR Cup Series
The Cup Series race on Sunday is expected to be the highlight of the weekend, drawing fans from across the country and beyond. With the event taking place during a major holiday, organizers anticipate a large turnout.
The Track Layout: A Unique Challenge
The race will be held on a 3.4-mile, 16-turn street course that winds through parts of the naval base. The track will include sections of the tarmac and roads, with some turns named after key elements of the Navy’s history.
- Start-Finish Line: Named after Theodore Ellyson, the first U.S. Naval aviator.
- Turn 5: Dubbed “Carrier Corner,” this section of the track is located between two aircraft carrier docking stations.
- Aircraft Carrier Views: Drivers will pass by aircraft carriers and potentially see F-18 jets on the tarmac.
The track design was created with the help of iRacing, a company known for its detailed virtual racing simulations. This collaboration ensured that the course would be both challenging and visually stunning.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer, described the course as a “blank canvas” where the team could experiment with configurations like hairpins, chicanes, and long straightaways.
Fan Experiences and Accessibility
NASCAR is expecting tens of thousands of fans to attend the event. The base has ample space for grandstands, suites, and general admission areas. Fans will have the rare opportunity to experience a race on an active military base, which also means they’ll get a glimpse of the Navy’s operations.
Tickets for the event are already on sale, with early access available through pre-sales. Fans can sign up for updates on the official NASCAR San Diego website.
Security protocols for the event have not been fully disclosed, but given the nature of a military installation, there will likely be strict measures in place to ensure safety.
Why San Diego?
San Diego was chosen as the host city for several reasons. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the presence of Naval Base Coronado, and its vibrant culture made it an ideal location for a historic event. Additionally, the city has a strong motorsports community, with local drivers and fans eager to support the event.
Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and native of El Cajon (a city near San Diego), has been a vocal supporter of the event. He expressed his excitement about seeing NASCAR return to his hometown.
“I honestly didn’t think that NASCAR would ever be able to race in San Diego,” Johnson said. “Growing up in El Cajon, watching it develop and change so much… it’s just a reality of NASCAR in a traditional sense of an oval in San Diego, it just never seemed possible. To see this all come together now, I’m so excited to have a race in my hometown.”
Future of NASCAR in San Diego
While the 2026 event is currently a one-year partnership, there is potential for the race to become an annual fixture. Ben Kennedy mentioned that NASCAR is open to the possibility of holding future events on other military bases across the country.
“We’d love to kick it off and be at Naval Base Coronado for a number of years,” Kennedy said. “But this could also be an opportunity for us to move it to other military installations across the country, too.”
This could lead to more innovative and unique racing experiences in the future, further expanding the reach of NASCAR.
Conclusion: A Historic Moment for Motorsports
The 2026 NASCAR race at Naval Base Coronado is more than just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of American history, innovation, and community. With its unique track layout, rich historical significance, and exciting fan experiences, this event promises to be one of the most memorable in NASCAR’s history.
As the date approaches, fans and motorsports enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness this historic moment. Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or simply curious about what makes this event special, the 2026 NASCAR San Diego Weekend is one you won’t want to miss.
Author: John Martinez
Title/Role: Senior Sports Journalist
Credentials: With over a decade of experience covering motorsports, John has reported on major NASCAR events, interviewed top drivers, and analyzed the evolution of the sport. His work has appeared in major publications such as ESPN and Fox Sports.
Profile Link: John Martinez Profile
Sources:
1. NASCAR Official Website
2. NBC Sports Philadelphia
3. Sports San Diego
CTA: Stay updated with the latest news on NASCAR in San Diego and plan your visit to this historic event!
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NASCAR will host its first-ever race on an active military base in 2026 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. The event will feature all three of NASCAR’s top series and is part of the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
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