NASCAR is set to make history in June 2026 by staging a vibrant new street race at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado, marking the first motorsport event ever hosted on a military installation. The event promises three days of intense competition across the Trucks, Xfinity, and Cup Series, with a course running nearly three miles around iconic military landmarks such as aircraft carriers and F-18s.
The race is already generating significant buzz, partly because seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, a Southern California native, will race once more with strong local ties. Adding to the anticipation, Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series Champion, has voiced his full support for NASCAR’s bold effort to reconnect with fans in the region.
Ryan Blaney Sees the San Diego Race as a Key to Reestablishing NASCAR in Southern California
The upcoming San Diego street race represents more than a new event; it signals NASCAR’s commitment to regaining a foothold in Southern California’s competitive motorsports market. With the closure of Fontana’s two-mile oval after its final race in 2023 and the end of the LA Coliseum race in 2024, NASCAR has been searching for ways to revive interest in the area. The street race in San Diego, leveraging the unique setting of a naval base and the region’s favorable late June weather, offers a promising venue to support both fans and the military community.
Ryan Blaney, who drives the #12 car for Team Penske, expressed his enthusiasm during an episode of the Team Blaney podcast. He said,
“I do know that NASCAR wanted to get back to another race in California, somewhere in Southern California, since we lost Fontana and the Clash in LA. I think they’ve proven that they can go to these street races and build racetracks and put on great shows. And I think that’s a good market for us out there, the Southern California market.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver
Though excited about the return to California racing, Blaney acknowledged the void left by Fontana’s closure. On the same podcast, he recalled,
“I hated seeing Fontana go. I mean, I think you ask anybody, that place was amazing. And it’d be nice to try to get back out there in some regard.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver
Auto Club Speedway in Fontana had been a fan and driver favorite since 1997, known for its wide lanes and sweeping corners. Blaney consistently performed well there, leading laps and competing strongly, although he never captured a Cup Series win at that track in recent years. NASCAR hopes that the San Diego street race will help fill the gap left by Fontana’s absence and revive excitement among Southern California race fans.
Team Penske’s Recent Success Faces Criticism; Blaney Responds Firmly
While Blaney is optimistic about the future in Southern California, he has also publicly addressed criticism surrounding Team Penske’s dominance in recent years. The organization has won three consecutive NASCAR Cup Series Championships, which has sparked controversy regarding the playoff format and the legitimacy of their titles. This backlash frustrates Blaney, who feels the team’s efforts are unfairly questioned.
Blaney Challenges the ‘Undeserving’ Label on Penske’s Championship Wins
Appearing on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney spoke candidly about the ongoing debate over NASCAR’s playoff system. Critics have argued that champions crowned during the 16-driver playoff era, especially after Joey Logano’s 2024 title with a 17.1 average finish—the lowest ever for a champion—don’t deserve their wins as much as those who prevailed under the older full-season points system.
Blaney defended the playoff champions, emphasizing the toughness and resilience required to win under the current format. He said,
“I mean, everyone can have their opinion. It gets under my skin a little bit when they’re like, ‘You guys didn’t deserve that championship.’ It’s like, what are you talking about, man? Like we went through the grinder, everyone digs in. And we were resilient when it mattered.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver
Although Blaney stands by the integrity of his 2023 championship, he also expressed reservations about the winner-takes-all nature of the final race, which can undermine consistent performance across the playoffs. He explained his preferred system:
“Do I have my ideal like championship format? Yeah. Like my opinion on it, I was a huge fan of the initial Chase. Last 10 weeks of the year, you kind of have somewhat of a reset in points, and then you go 10 races and whoever had the best 10 races was going to win the championship.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver
This approach, Blaney feels, would reward consistent excellence over a series of races rather than hinge everything on a single day. His views resonate amid broader discussion in NASCAR about how to balance unpredictability and fairness in crowning its champions.
San Diego Street Race: A New Dawn for NASCAR’s California Fanbase?
The San Diego street race has the potential to be a pivotal moment for NASCAR as it seeks to revive passion among Southern California fans. By leveraging a dramatic setting at Naval Base Coronado, along with hometown heroes like Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Blaney competing, NASCAR aims to deliver a memorable event that taps into local pride and a broader media audience.
For Blaney, the race symbolizes more than just a competition; it is part of a larger effort to restore NASCAR’s presence in a crucial market after losing long-standing venues. With the sport’s commitment to innovation in race locations, the San Diego event could well become a new tradition that strengthens connections with its fanbase and honors the region’s distinct culture.
As NASCAR moves forward, Blaney’s candid discussion on championship legitimacy and his enthusiasm for the San Diego event highlight ongoing conversations shaping the sport’s future. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely as the 2026 season unfolds, eager to see how NASCAR’s daring street race will impact its growth and perception in Southern California and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney clinched first place at the Talladega fall race, narrowly beating Ryan Newman by 0.007 seconds. He advanced into the Round of 8, even with an early spin onto pit road.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won a NASCAR race?
A. Blaney claimed his first Cup title in 2023 after finishing second at Phoenix Raceway. He also has an exhibition victory from the 2022 NASCAR All-Star Race in Texas.