Denny Hamlin expressed a favorable outlook on the possibility of NASCAR introducing a Cup Series street race in San Diego next year. Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin welcomed the idea of competing on a street circuit in the city as NASCAR explores new venues.
Hamlin Open to Racing on San Diego’s Streets
When asked about the potential addition of a San Diego street course to the NASCAR schedule, Hamlin responded with cautious optimism. He described the location as appealing and acknowledged that street races are gaining popularity within the sport’s evolving strategy. Hamlin said,
“I certainly think that San Diego sounds like a place I’d like to go. I mean, sure, I guess. It seems like they’re really in favor of street races out. So if they’re hellbent on it, then San Diego seems like a destination to do that.”
Plans for NASCAR’s Return to Southern California
Recent reports from Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic confirm that NASCAR is close to finalizing a deal for a street race in the San Diego area slated for 2025. This move would mark a significant return to Southern California for NASCAR after a period without points races in the region. The last official points competition in Southern California was at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, where Kyle Busch claimed victory in 2023 before the track was closed for reconstruction.
Additionally, NASCAR hosted the 2024 Clash event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but a full Cup Series points race has been absent. The new San Diego street course would reinvigorate NASCAR’s connection to the area and expand the variety of race locations on the calendar.
NASCAR’s Commitment to Southern California Markets
Beyond the San Diego proposal, NASCAR has shown interest in broader Southern California engagement. Steven Phelps, the then-NASCAR president, discussed plans for possibly racing at Dodger Stadium last year, highlighting the league’s dedication to exploring innovative race settings in the region.
In an interview with NBC Sports in March 2024, Phelps stated,
“We are committed to the market.”
He further explained,
“That should not be a surprise. It’s just due diligence. If something hits, great, and if it doesn’t so be it, but I think we need to continue to push the boundaries, not just from a schedule standpoint. I think we’ve seen that, or fans have seen that and media have seen that. We have a willingness to think differently and it’s working.”
Impact and Outlook for NASCAR’s 2025 Schedule
The possible addition of a San Diego street race reflects NASCAR’s strategic efforts to innovate and diversify its racing events. Incorporating street circuits can offer unique challenges for drivers like Hamlin and appeal to a broader fanbase by showcasing urban settings. If the San Diego deal finalizes, it would signal a renewed focus on Southern California and may open doors for further creative race formats.
This development aligns with NASCAR’s recent explorations of nontraditional venues, enhancing the sport’s profile and providing fresh competition environments in 2025 and beyond.