NASCAR has confirmed a major return to Southern California with an unprecedented race scheduled for 2026 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This event will feature a unique street course inside an active military installation, positioning the Joey Logano NASCAR San Diego race as a historic milestone for the series and its fans.
The race weekend is slated for June 19 to 21 and will showcase the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series competing on this innovative course. Alongside the announcement, NASCAR released a high-profile promotional video called Project: Race the Base that stars key competitors like Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, William Byron, Noah Gragson, Carson Hocevar, and Chase Briscoe. Early reactions indicate the campaign has captured widespread enthusiasm, expanding the sport’s appeal.
NASCAR’s strategic innovation through San Diego’s military venue
San Diego’s 2026 race reflects NASCAR’s ongoing transformation as it moves beyond its traditional oval circuits and ventures into novel urban and cultural spaces. Following events in the Los Angeles Coliseum, Chicago’s street race, and the international race in Mexico City, this latest initiative further pushes the sport’s evolution into the 21st century.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President of Racing Innovation, emphasized the event’s importance, saying:
“What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy, 250th anniversary of our country and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026. And I’m bullish on it being the best sporting event of the year… you couldn’t ask for a better location than Coronado, sitting between downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean and not far from Tijuana, either.”
The Naval Base Coronado site, which includes eight facilities and the renowned NAS North Island, offers an unmatched backdrop steeped in military history. The course is expected to wind through areas featuring aircraft carriers and tarmacs filled with military jets, setting it apart from any other NASCAR setting before.
Designed with segments of fixed roadways and flexible open tarmac, the track schematic currently exists in prototype form within the iRacing platform. This layout blends permanent infrastructure with creative, adaptable course sections unachievable in more constrained city grids.
Navy Secretary John C. Phelan recognized NASCAR’s alignment with American values, noting:
“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of naval aviation, it’s not just a historic first, it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country.”
Promotional momentum fueled by star drivers and fan excitement
The Project: Race the Base video captured attention by featuring top drivers completing challenges designed to impress Navy personnel. Tasks such as jet flying and evading military security were staged along the street course, showcasing the drivers’ skills and the event’s military connection.
The visuals, filmed live at the historic Coronado base, have received acclaim on social media for their creativity and production quality. Fans quickly praised the campaign, with one comment simply stating:
“This is badass.”
Drivers also engaged with fans, with Truck Series competitor Carson Hocevar expressing enthusiasm and Chase Elliott sharing his excitement over the unique setting. Local residents and traveling motorsport supporters have already begun preparations for the highly anticipated race weekend, signaling strong regional interest.
Leadership and community-driven race planning
NASCAR appointed Amy Lupo, former ESPN executive known for managing events like the LA Clash, as president of NASCAR San Diego. She is collaborating with Sports San Diego to ensure the race is not only flawlessly executed on track but also integrated into a broader citywide celebration that honors San Diego’s culture and the Navy’s heritage.
As NASCAR phases out its recent forays in Mexico City and Chicago, the San Diego race is positioned to become a flagship event on the Cup Series calendar. This race not only marks a historic return to Southern California but also demonstrates how NASCAR is embracing new environments while paying tribute to American tradition and innovation.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. Due to complications during his birth, Joey experienced bleeding in his brain, resulting in a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. He now requires extensive physical therapy.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. After his hair didn’t regrow, Logano visited a doctor and received a diagnosis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, typically affecting individuals before they turn 30.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. The problem was a stomach bug. Logano managed to push through the race despite feeling unwell. “I had the Norovirus,” Logano told reporters, according to Steven Taranto of CBS Sports. “I thought I was fine, but just before the race, I realized I wasn’t.”
