In a move that no one saw coming, NASCAR will be turning Naval Base Coronado into a full-blown racetrack for Father’s Day weekend, 2026. That’s right, from June 19 to 21 in summer next year, stock cars will tear across an active military base down in San Diego, in what is shaping up to be one of the most patriotic, cinematic race weekends in NASCAR history. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as this once-in-a-generation event also coincides with the Navy’s and the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations.
The racing lineup? Nothing short of impressive. As a fan, you can expect all three premier NASCAR divisions, i.e., Craftsman Trucks, Xfinity Series, and the Cup Series, going full throttle on a custom hybrid circuit . Picture V8s tearing past hangars, downtown San Diego in the distance, Point Loma rising behind the coastline, and Navy warships lining the harbor, providing a spectacular backdrop for the race.
So, how did this event come to be?
" title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>, NASCAR’s executive VP and chief innovation officer, the idea began as a moonshot, and after years of pushing boundaries with races inside stadiums like the LA Coliseum and downtown street circuits like Chicago, the league’s next big leap has to be bold: race at a military base.Coronado, the birth place of U.S. Naval Aviation with its panoramic views, urban access, and strong military ties, became the obvious choice. NASCAR spent two years planning, collaborating closely with iRacing to design and test the layout virtually, and working hand-in-hand with Navy leadership to bring the vision to life.
While the exact track layout remains under wraps until this fall, officials hint at a unique course with “neighborhoods” where fans can explore more of the facility, some along the base, others near tarmac zones with views of aircraft carriers, military aircraft (hopefully some F/A-18 Super Hornets are in station), and the open SoCal water. One minute you’re hearing the scream of stock cars, the next you’re staring out at Coronado’s breathtaking horizon city skyline to one side, battleships to the other. The fan experience will be immersive, patriotic, and unlike anything else in motorsport.
Tickets officially go on sale this fall, but deposits are already being accepted at NASCARSanDiego.com. Friday will kick off with a Military Day featuring service members front and center, followed by two days of racing open to all. Expect NASCAR at Coronado to be loud, fast, and unforgettable; a celebration of speed, service, and the American spirit.
Source: NASCAR