NASCAR is preparing for an unprecedented race event in 2026, which will take place at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This marks the first time a NASCAR Cup Series race will be hosted on an active military installation, and Ryan Blaney, a prominent driver for Team Penske, has revealed his excitement about the unique setting and spectacular surroundings. The new San Diego street track promises a blend of intense racing and visually striking backdrops, featuring views of military aircraft carriers and the nearby sea.
Details About the Innovative Track on Naval Base Coronado
The upcoming street circuit at Naval Base Coronado will offer a fresh challenge for drivers. It is expected to wind through the base’s streets, providing fans with a close-up view of both the action and the military assets stationed there. Ben Kennedy, involved with NASCAR’s operations, described the track layout as combining traditional street racing elements with the distinctive military environment. Competitors will navigate past aircraft carriers and military aircraft, including F-18 jets, before looping back toward the base’s entrance.
A Historic Collaboration Between NASCAR and the U.S. Navy
This groundbreaking event has attracted attention beyond the racing community. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan highlighted the significance of NASCAR racing on an active naval base, calling it a historic moment that showcases the shared intensity and spirit of cooperation between the U.S. Navy and NASCAR. Ryan Blaney echoed this sentiment, feeling honored to participate in such a unique setting. He expressed his anticipation for the race and the impressive views, emphasizing how special it is to compete at such a renowned location.
“I know they’re still working on some of it. I have heard a rumour that one of the straightaways, we will be going by a couple of aircraft carriers. That’s going to be hard not to pay attention to, going by the city on the sea. I don’t have any expectations, I know it’s going to be a great layout, a great course. Just a special place to be able to go run here at such a famous base. Honestly really honored that they are having us and letting us do what we’re going to do. I think it’s going to be a heck of a time. I’m honestly incredibly excited about it.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“[The race track] It’ll be a blend of traditional street racing in a way where we’ll be winding our ways through some of the streets on the base. They’ll be going past (aircraft) carriers. They’ll eventually go out onto the tarmac, probably by some military aircraft, maybe a couple of F-18s out there, and then back towards the entrance to the base.”
—Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Official
The Evolution of NASCAR Tracks Leading Up to the San Diego Event
Historically, NASCAR’s races have predominantly taken place on oval circuits, but the series has increasingly incorporated road courses and unique venues. In 2022, NASCAR made a notable leap by staging the Busch Light Clash inside the Los Angeles Coliseum, a site famous for hosting the Olympics. Following that, the sport ventured into its first-ever street race, and that course has hosted multiple events since. Building on these innovations, the announcement of a race at an active military base in San Diego marks the next stage in NASCAR’s expansion into unconventional locations.
Adjustments to the NASCAR Schedule for the San Diego Street Race
Introducing the San Diego race has necessitated changes in the NASCAR calendar. To accommodate the new street track, the Chicago Street Course, slated for the 2026 season, has been dropped. However, organizers have expressed optimism about bringing Chicago back to the schedule in 2027. This shift underscores NASCAR’s willingness to experiment with venue locations in order to offer fresh and exciting racing experiences for fans and participants alike.
Anticipated Impact of the San Diego Race on NASCAR and Fans
The San Diego street race on Naval Base Coronado is poised to become a landmark event, blending motorsport with a striking military backdrop. It is expected to draw fans eager to witness a distinctive competition in a setting that highlights both high-speed racing and national pride. Ryan Blaney’s enthusiasm and the official endorsements from Navy leadership underscore the event’s importance. As NASCAR continues to explore new environments for its races, this collaboration with the military base may pave the way for future innovative racing experiences.
