NASCAR will make history in 2026 as it takes all three national series to San Diego. However, there will be a twist as the competitors take on a purpose-built course on Naval Base Coronado.
According to a Wednesday announcement, NASCAR will compete for the first time on an active military base on June 19-21, 2026. It will showcase the stars of all three national series while celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.
NASCAR has not finalized the course on which its competitors will battle for a historic win. The full layout will be revealed in the coming months.
Project: Race the Base.
We're bringing a different kind of speed to @USNavy Base Coronado in 2026. pic.twitter.com/A3mRh2x8bN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 23, 2025
"As part of our nation's 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado," said Ben Kennedy, EVP, Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer.
"NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy's history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado."
Apart from making history by competing on an active military base, NASCAR will check off another important goal. It will get back to Southern California for a points-paying race. This is a major market for the sanctioning body, one that it has sought to return to since Auto Club Speedway's final race in 2023.
The three-year stint at the LA Memorial Coliseum partially checked this box. However, these events were only exhibition races. Now, the drivers will battle for points and playoff spots over Father's Day weekend in 2026.
Photo credit: NASCAR
"As Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado and on behalf of the United States Navy, it's an honor to partner with NASCAR at NAS North Island as part of our 250th anniversary celebration," said Captain Loren Jacobi.
"Hosting one of America's premier motorsports events on this historic base reflects our partnership with the local community and our shared pride in the nation's heritage. We are privileged to showcase the dedication of our Sailors alongside NASCAR's finest as we celebrate our 250th anniversary."
This race on Naval Base Coronado will replace the streets of Chicago on the schedule. NASCAR previously announced that it would return to the Windy City in the future, but not in 2026. According to NASCAR, the historic race on the military base will be the final event of Prime Video's five-race schedule.