NASCAR To Celebrate U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary With Historic Race At Naval Base Coronado
on Jul 23, 2025
NASCAR To Race At California Naval Base
NASCAR will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy by holding a race on an active military base, Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California.
The event, set for June 19 to 21, 2026, will be the first NASCAR street race ever held on an operational base, honoring American naval history and service.
“This is another historic moment for our sport,” NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy said.
It will be the first points race held in Southern California since 2023, and it will replace the Chicago Street Race on the 2026 calendar.
Racing on a military base was an idea that Kennedy said “felt like just such a natural opportunity for us to explore.”
“We’ve talked to a handful of military bases,” Kennedy said. “This one was a really good fit for us… We felt like it was a good opportunity for us to get back to Southern California market and re-engage our fans.”
Project: Race the Base.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 23, 2025
We're bringing a different kind of speed to @USNavy Base Coronado in 2026. pic.twitter.com/A3mRh2x8bN
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What Will The Race Entail?
The planned course will span approximately three miles and will incorporate the tarmac and apron areas of the base’s runways, though likely not the runways themselves, according to Kennedy.
To support the event, NASCAR has partnered with Sports San Diego for local promotion and community engagement.
“We’d love to kick it off and be at Naval Base Coronado for a number of years, but this could also be an opportunity for us to move it to other military installations across the country, too,” Kennedy said.
The official NASCAR San Diego street course layout will reportedly be released in the near future.
NASCAR’s History In Southern California
According to the race’s website, Southern California has been a vital part of NASCAR’s story, fueled by generations of fans and a deep-rooted passion for motorsports. From the formative years of stock car racing to today’s competition, the region has consistently helped drive the sport’s innovation, popularity, and growth on the West Coast.
“The inaugural race in San Diego is more than just another NASCAR event. It’s a celebration of everything Southern California stands for: history, tradition, and innovation. It’s the perfect place for fans, old and new, to experience the thrill of NASCAR in a city like no other. For years, the U.S. Navy has supported us at our tracks. Now, we’re bringing the race to them,” NASCAR wrote.
Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan said the collaboration between NASCAR and the Navy is a “powerful tribute to the values” they share.
“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,” said Phelan. “From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR. We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who wear the uniform, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.”
