NASCAR has confirmed its return to Southern California in 2026 with a landmark race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, marking the sport’s first-ever street course inside an active military installation. The event is scheduled for June 19 to 21 and will feature the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series, positioning itself as a major new chapter in NASCAR’s expansion.
This unique venue has already ignited excitement within the motorsports community, especially with the release of a promotional video called Project: Race the Base, showcasing top drivers including Chase Elliott and Joey Logano engaging in challenge tasks that highlight the Navy’s spirit alongside the thrill of racing.
Behind the Scenes: Project Race the Base Video Builds Anticipation
The promotional video, filmed on the iconic Naval Base Coronado where Top Gun was shot, blends military tradition with NASCAR energy. Drivers like Chase Elliott, William Byron, Noah Gragson, Carson Hocevar, and Chase Briscoe participate in activities such as flying jets and racing against military security across a modeled street circuit, captivating numerous fans.
The video’s high production value and creative approach have earned strong praise. One fan captured the collective enthusiasm plainly, stating, “This is badass.”
Carson Hocevar also joined the online discussion, expressing his excitement, followed by Chase Elliott adding his voice to the growing buzz. The anticipation is already palpable among locals and visitors preparing for this landmark race weekend in San Diego.
NASCAR’s Strategic Shift Toward Unique and Bold Venues
The San Diego race exemplifies NASCAR’s deliberate strategy to innovate beyond traditional oval tracks by embracing distinctive street racing. This move follows recent ventures into the LA Coliseum, a 2023 Chicago street race, and an upcoming event in Mexico City, demonstrating NASCAR’s commitment to evolving its racing portfolio.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President of Racing Innovation, emphasized the event’s importance, highlighting its timing with the 250th anniversary of both the U.S. Navy and the nation:
“What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy, 250th anniversary of our country and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026. And I’m bullish on it being the best sporting event of the year… you couldn’t ask for a better location than Coronado, sitting between downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean and not far from Tijuana, either.”
The Naval Base Coronado includes eight military facilities, such as the renowned NAS North Island, providing a historic and evocative setting for the race. The course will likely navigate past aircraft carriers and across expansive tarmacs astonishingly blending military presence with high-speed racing.
Innovative Track Design to Highlight Flexibility and Speed
The race layout, currently under development in simulation software iRacing, is designed for versatility, combining permanent roads with adaptable sections on open tarmacs. This modular design approach allows creative and dynamic racing configurations unavailable in highly urbanized street grids.
Navy Secretary John C. Phelan praised the partnership between the sport and the military:
“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. 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.”
Local Leadership and City Partnership Set to Elevate the Event
Amy Lupo, former ESPN executive and leader of the LA Clash event, will serve as president of NASCAR San Diego, steering both the race operations and broader city engagement. The collaboration with Sports San Diego aims to create a comprehensive celebration that extends beyond the track, weaving the race into the cultural fabric of the region.
As the Cup Series shifts focus away from recent international venues like Mexico City and Chicago, the San Diego race promises to become a signature occasion for NASCAR. Positioned uniquely on a naval base with rich history and scenic surroundings, it is set to attract widespread attention and lay the foundation for future innovative motorsport events.