NASCAR is gearing up for a distinctive celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the US Navy by hosting a race at Naval Base Coronado, California. Scheduled for June 19-21, 2026, the event will feature NASCAR Cup Series drivers competing on a newly designed course at the naval base, alongside Artisan Track Series and Xfinity Series races. This marks NASCAR’s return to Southern California for a points race since 2023 and replaces the Chicago Street Race on the 2026 calendar.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, highlighted the significance of this historic moment, noting the natural fit of racing on military bases after discussions with several installations. The roughly three-mile track will utilize the runway and apron areas, designed to minimize disruptions to naval operations. NASCAR anticipates drawing tens of thousands of fans, offering general admission that includes access to various grandstands and military displays, along with a temporary suite for the event.
The partnership with Sports San Diego currently spans one year, but there are hopes to make this event a recurring fixture and potentially expand to other military venues nationwide. This race is the 17th on the evolving 2026 NASCAR Cup Schedule, which has 20 weeks for 19 races, with some final dates still pending. The traditional July 4th weekend race remains uncertain, and NASCAR is exploring additional venues, including a possible return to Chicagoland Speedway near Chicago and street racing in Chicago from 2027 onward.
NASCAR is also in talks to return to Mexico City in the following year. This creative blending of sport and military commemoration signifies NASCAR’s effort to engage fans uniquely while expanding its footprint in key markets.
Fan Take: This innovative move to race on a naval base offers NASCAR fans an exciting, unprecedented experience and strengthens the sport’s connection to the military community. It also signals NASCAR’s willingness to break new ground in venue selection, which could open doors to more diverse and memorable racing events in the future.
