In a groundbreaking moment for motorsports, the NASCAR Cup Series will host a landmark race at Naval Base Coronado in June 2026, marking the Navy’s 250th anniversary. This event, known as NASCAR San Diego, will take place from June 19 to 21, featuring all three NASCAR national series and celebrating the U.S. Navy’s legacy on an active military base for the first time.
The NASCAR Cup Series Naval Base Race not only highlights the thrill of competition but also serves as a tribute to the Navy’s enduring mission and service. Fans can expect an exhilarating weekend of racing along a new street course inside the base, connecting motorsports enthusiasm with military pride.
Full Three-Day Racing Festival Onsite at Naval Base Coronado
The flagship NASCAR Cup Series race is set for Sunday, June 21, 2026, concluding a three-day weekend filled with high-speed action. Thursday through Saturday will feature races from the Xfinity Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, making this an all-encompassing motorsports celebration. The exact street course layout within Naval Base Coronado will be publicly revealed soon, promising a unique and challenging circuit on active military grounds.
Celebrating Shared Values of Teamwork and Excellence
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s EVP and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer, emphasized the event‘s significance:
“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado.”
He added,
“NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”
John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy, reflected on the race’s deeper meaning:
“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.”
He further noted,
“From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR. We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who wear the uniform, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.”
Naval Base Coronado: A Strategic and Symbolic Location
Known as the “West Coast Quarterdeck,” Naval Base Coronado is a collective of nine Navy installations stretching from San Clemente Island to the Mountain Warfare Training Facility near San Diego. It plays a crucial role in supporting the Navy’s mission by providing infrastructure for force generation and quality-of-life services for Sailors and their families. This venue underscores the connection between national defense and community engagement through hosting this impactful event.
Captain Loren Jacobi, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado, expressed pride in the collaboration:
“As Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado and on behalf of the United States Navy, it’s an honor to partner with NASCAR at NAS North Island as part of our 250th anniversary celebration.”
He added,
“Hosting one of America’s premier motorsports events on this historic base reflects our partnership with the local community and our shared pride in the nation’s heritage. We are privileged to showcase the dedication of our Sailors alongside NASCAR’s finest as we celebrate our 250th anniversary.”
Symbolism Woven Into the NASCAR San Diego Event Identity
The official NASCAR San Diego logo features the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, an aircraft exclusive to the U.S. Navy, symbolizing the event’s military connection. The three stars in the design represent land, sea, and air—highlighting the Navy’s unique multi-domain operations. An arch incorporated in the logo is inspired by San Diego’s mission-style architecture, while stripes at the bottom represent the four major U.S. Armed Forces branches: Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. These elements together portray a deep respect for the service branches and the region.
Experienced Leadership at the Helm of NASCAR San Diego
Amy Lupo has been appointed as the first NASCAR San Diego President, bringing over 25 years of experience in producing major fan experiences and sporting events. Since joining NASCAR in 2021, Lupo played a key role in launching unique races, including the Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.
Before NASCAR, Lupo’s tenure at ESPN sharpened her expertise through her leadership on the X Games globally and other major sporting events. She has personally directed events in cities like Tignes, Munich, and Sydney, ensuring flawless execution on an international scale. Now based in Southern California, Lupo brings both local insight and a global perspective to the upcoming San Diego race weekend.
Community Impact and Regional Partnerships Highlight Event Importance
Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego, emphasized the event’s significance for the area:
“This a huge win for San Diego and we are so grateful to NASCAR for their partnership.”
He continued,
“Without a doubt, the NASCAR San Diego Weekend will have a significant and favorable impact on San Diego’s tourism and hospitality industry. On top of that, being the first ever NASCAR race on an active military base is going to be quite the spectacle and you can’t beat Naval Base Coronado.”
Sports San Diego, a nonprofit organization focused on boosting regional economic growth through world-class sports events, is working closely with NASCAR to support the operational and promotional aspects of the race weekend. San Diego’s history of hosting renowned events such as the Super Bowl, MLB All-Star Game, and U.S. Open demonstrates the city’s capacity to manage premier sporting competitions on a grand scale.
Broadcast Coverage and Ticket Information
The NASCAR San Diego Weekend will bring wide media exposure: the Cup Series race will be broadcast on Prime Video, marking the final event in their five-race 2026 window. Additionally, the Xfinity Series race will be televised by The CW, and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series event will air on FOX Sports, providing multiple viewing options for fans nationwide.
Tickets for the 2026 NASCAR San Diego Weekend will become available this fall, with advanced deposits currently accepted through the official NASCAR San Diego site. Organizers anticipate strong demand, encouraging fans to secure their spots early. Further event details and components of the race weekend will be announced soon, and followers can stay updated via @NASCARSanDiego across Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Looking Ahead to a Historic 2026 NASCAR Season
The remainder of the 2026 schedules for all three NASCAR national series—the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series—will be unveiled soon. With the historic NASCAR Cup Series Naval Base Race marking a highlight, the 2026 season promises new milestones and exciting developments in the sport’s continuing evolution.