NASCAR Will Host a Race on a San Diego Naval Base in 2026
NASCAR is set to celebrate the 250th year of the US Navy by hosting a race on a San Diego naval base, the organization recently announced.
Reportedly, the NASCAR Cup Series will include a race on June 21, 2026 on a course on Naval Base Coronado. The course itself is still being finalized, but NASCAR officials called the San Diego race a “historic moment for our sport.” The NASCAR race in San Diego will be the first race the organization has hosted in Southern California since 2023.
According to the New York Times, the idea of holding a NASCAR race on a military base was floated several times over the years. Given NASCAR’s close ties to the military, the availability of space to build a course, and 2026 coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, all of the pieces came together to host the event in Coronado.
Despite being held on a normally restricted military base, there will be plenty of opportunities for the public to buy tickets and attend. Given the size of the base and the availability of space, officials believe that public attendance could reach “tens of thousands of people.”
Public events on military bases aren’t necessarily new for San Diego, either. Each year, nearby Marine Corps Air Station Miramar hosts an annual air show that attracts hundreds of thousands of people.
Details about the course aren’t finalized yet, but NASCAR believes the San Diego racetrack could feature a lap distance “in the ballpark of three miles.”
Details about the course aren’t finalized yet, but NASCAR believes the San Diego racetrack could feature a lap distance “in the ballpark of three miles.” Additionally, unlike other race events held at the base, NASCAR is considering a course that includes both streets and tarmac.
Given the reputation of Coronado beaches, San Diego is already a prime vacation destination. If you’re planning on attending the race and want to make the most of your trip, check out our guide to San Diego vacation activities.
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Mike Peterson is a writer, editor, and strategist based in San Diego. When he’s not writing and editing the La Jolla news, you can often find him practicing yoga, rock climbing, or exploring the outdoors with his wife and dog.
