As NASCAR prepares for its groundbreaking 2026 debut at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports is ready to face the challenge despite limited information about the new street course. What excites Larson most is the opportunity to compete at such a unique and picturesque location.
On July 23, NASCAR confirmed that its 2026 schedule will feature innovative street races at Naval Base Coronado, marking the first points-paying NASCAR event in Southern California since 2023. This debut represents a significant return to the region and introduces a venue unlike any other in the sport’s history.
During a visit to the naval base, Larson spoke with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass about the upcoming race. Instead of focusing on the exact layout of the course, Larson emphasized the special atmosphere of racing on a military installation with stunning coastal and naval views. He described the experience as almost surreal for a driver, highlighting the novelty of competing in such an environment.
“I don’t know. I have no clue. I don’t even know. I haven’t seen any drawing or anything of anything yet, but I don’t really care what the course is. I’m just happy that we’re doing this, and I think it’s going to be a fun event no matter what. It’s a beautiful part of the country. You’re racing on a Navy base. This is pretty surreal.” —Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
NASCAR officials have indicated that detailed plans for the Naval Base Coronado track will be shared soon. The design process is already underway, combining real-world drives on the base with virtual simulations in iRacing to develop the final course configuration.
Kyle Larson Comments on the Unpredictability of the New Street Circuit
Addressing the uncertainty surrounding the new San Diego street course, Larson acknowledged how unconventional tracks can lead to memorable and unpredictable races. Though he has not seen the final layout, he suggested that this unfamiliarity might contribute to exciting moments on race day. Larson recalled that tracks perceived as strange or complicated often spark chaos and compelling competition.
In his interview with Pockrass, Larson shared his thoughts about what kind of racing this course might produce:
“Yeah, I mean, I think, I don’t know. I mean, I think a lot of times the weirder and crazier the tracks are, the better racing we have. You know, a lot of times I think when we think things aren’t going to be right, it creates chaos and whatnot. And like I said, I have no idea if this is going to be a chaotic course or not. I’m just thinking of previous things. But, yeah. It’s going to be fun. Like I said” —Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Overview of the NASCAR San Diego Race Weekend at Naval Base Coronado
The 2026 NASCAR San Diego race weekend will be a three-day event, marking the first time stock car racing takes place on an active Navy base. The festivities will begin with the Truck Series race on Friday, June 19, followed by the Xfinity Series and Cup Series races on June 20 and June 21, respectively. This arrangement promises an action-packed schedule for fans attending the historic event.
By introducing this new venue, NASCAR expands its presence in Southern California while also offering drivers and teams a fresh challenge. The blend of an urban military setting with coastal scenery will create a distinctive backdrop, enhancing the event’s appeal for competitors and spectators alike.
Kyle Larson’s willingness to embrace the unknown aspects of the Naval Base Coronado racecourse underlines his focus on performance and the rewarding experience of racing in a remarkable setting. As NASCAR continues refining the track, fans can anticipate a dynamic and engaging competition when the series returns to Southern California in 2026.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson may not surpass Verstappen in Formula 1, but he’s more versatile than anyone else. Bianchi says Larson’s diverse achievements stand out. He wins in many different types of cars.
Q. What caused Kyle Larson to crash?
A. Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports shared what Larson said on X, explaining the crash happened because the axle snapped. Larson stated, “The axle broke.”
Q. Who did Kyle Larson marry?
A. CONCORD, N.C. – Kyle Larson and his wife, Katelyn, celebrated New Year’s Eve with the arrival of their third child, Cooper Donald Larson. On Monday, the racecar driver for the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 announced the birth on social media. Cooper now has two older siblings: an 8-year-old brother named Owen and a 4-year-old sister named Audrey.
Q. What disease does Kyle Larson’s daughter have?
A. Their daughter, Audrey Layne Larson, was born on May 7, 2018. She was diagnosed with alopecia at just 18 months old. Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that leads to hair loss. Since the diagnosis, the Larson family has actively promoted alopecia awareness. They use their platform to help others dealing with this condition.