NASCAR is set to make history by holding a race on an active military base for the first time, scheduled for June 19 to 21, 2026, at Naval Base Coronado near San Diego. This unique event will feature the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series competing on a specially designed street course that runs alongside aircraft carriers and military aircraft, combining fixed roads with open tarmac sections. The announcement marks a significant moment for the sport, especially for local driver Sheldon Creed, who is eager to compete close to his hometown and hopes to race in all three series during the weekend.
Sheldon Creed’s Homecoming Amid NASCAR’s New San Diego Race
For Sheldon Creed, a native of East County near San Diego, the upcoming Coronado race holds deep personal value. Driving for the Haas Factory Team, Creed looks forward to showcasing his talent in front of family and friends while representing his community. The intimate proximity to his home adds a motivational edge as he anticipates NASCAR’s final decisions on whether drivers can compete across multiple series in the same weekend, a rule that restricted participation in previous street races like Chicago.
“My whole family still lives right there 25 minutes east of downtown and in East County, so I’m excited to come race at home in front of all my friends and family and just to be in my hometown racing. I never would have dreamed or thought that NASCAR would go to San Diego, so I’m really excited for that… I’m waiting to hear what NASCAR’s rules are going to be,” Creed said during Playoff Media Day. “The first year we went to Chicago they didn’t allow other drivers to run Xfinity or Cup or swap back and forth, so I’m waiting on the ruling from that, but, yes, the goal is to try to run all three.”
—Sheldon Creed, Driver
Potential Restrictions on Multiple Series Participation Remain Unclear
The uncertainty surrounding NASCAR’s rules for the San Diego race could affect Creed’s ambition to compete in the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup events. NASCAR’s previous stance at the 2023 Chicago street race limited drivers to a single series during the weekend, which could be enforced again at Coronado. Currently, Creed is confirmed to race in the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 car but hopes to add starts in the other two series depending on NASCAR’s final ruling. This decision will influence driver lineups and team strategies leading into the event.
Jimmie Johnson Aims for a Home-State Comeback at Coronado
Joining the excitement is Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who grew up near San Diego, in El Cajon. Johnson has returned to part-time racing with Legacy Motor Club’s No. 84 car, recently finishing third in the Daytona 500 and demonstrating his competitiveness after retirement. His interest in competing at Coronado adds star power to the historic race, highlighting the event’s appeal to local legends and the racing community at large.
Haas Factory Team’s Switch to Chevrolet Spurs New Opportunities
The 2026 season also brings strategic changes for Creed’s team. Haas Factory Team will shift from Ford to Chevrolet in both the Cup and Xfinity Series, aligning with Hendrick Motorsports for engines and support. This partnership could offer Creed more chances to compete across different series, benefiting from Chevrolet’s expanded presence in the Cup and Truck fields compared to Ford’s current entries.
“We have a long history with Gene and his organization, including winning championships together, so this feels almost like a homecoming. Our relationship started many years ago with Haas CNC machines in our facilities, and I’ve always admired the passion that he and Joe Custer have for the sport and their desire to win. We’re proud to support Haas Factory Team and thrilled to work together to deliver more victories for Chevrolet.”
—Rick Hendrick, Owner of Hendrick Motorsports
Preparation and Season Outlook for Haas Drivers
Haas Factory Team plans to unveil its Chevrolet cars at the February 1 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, followed by the Xfinity season opener at Daytona on February 14. Creed and teammate Sam Mayer continue to battle fiercely in the Xfinity Playoffs, with Creed hovering just below the playoff cutline and Mayer within striking distance of the points leader. This momentum sets the stage for a promising 2026 campaign as Creed aims to make his mark on home soil with the added support of Hendrick Motorsports.
The Significance and Expectations for NASCAR’s First Military Base Race
The Coronado race not only marks an unprecedented event for NASCAR but also symbolizes a connection between the motorsports world and the U.S. military community. For drivers like Creed and Johnson, racing on this course represents much more than competition—it is a chance to honor the military while inspiring fans in Southern California. NASCAR’s decisions on driver eligibility and race formats will be closely watched, as the event promises to be a unique blend of racing excitement and tribute. The historic nature of this race could influence future NASCAR events and pave the way for similarly innovative venue choices.
