CONCORD, N.C. - With the Chicago Street Course officially off the NASCAR slate for 2026, it didn't take long for a new city and a new race to be added.
San Diego will be the site of a new twisting, turning track with the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series all scheduled to run races at Naval Base Coronado over Father's Day weekend next year. The event will coincide with the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the United States and the U.S. Navy.
An announcement was officially handed down on Wednesday morning. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson, as native of Elk Grove, California, said he was looking forward to adding another event to his home state.
"Obviously, me being from California I'm really excited about bringing another race to the state but especially in a great market in San Diego," Larson said. "It should be awesome. I'm biased but I do believe California has some of the greatest fans out there and always show up to support NASCAR races. I look forward to it and hopefully we can put on a good show for everybody."
Hendrick Motorsports found success on the streets of the Windy City, particularly with Alex Bowman going to victory lane in 2024.
While there were no particulars of the course layout, Larson added that NASCAR's proven track record of creating race tracks - particularly in the LA Coliseum and in Chicago - as well as the Next Gen car, gives him confidence that the San Diego Street Course will be a competitive and entertaining venue.
"I think NASCAR has proved they can create anything, really, and I think that's awesome," Larson said. "I haven't personally seen the venue or the space that we're going to be having a track but it's NASCAR, we're driving Next Gen cars and they can go on any surface and shape and whatnot. So, I think that's what makes NASCAR great too is that we can be so versatile with our sport."
When is the NASCAR San Diego Street Course race?
The San Diego Street Course is on the 2026 NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series schedule for Father's Day Weekend, June 19-21, 2026.
NASCAR San Diego tickets
Tickets for the 2026 NASCAR weekend in San Diego will go on sale this fall.
Naval Base Coronado
The Naval Base Coronado is a group of nine Navy posts throughout the San Diego area. According to NASCAR's release, "Naval Base Coronado supports the Navy's mission by providing force generation infrastructure to support our Nation’s warfighters while delivering exceptional quality of life and wellness services for our Sailors and their families."