NASCAR has chosen to relocate its major street race to San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado in 2026, which has drawn attention after Kyle Busch was excluded from a prominent America’s 250th birthday commercial and from the race’s spotlight, a decision that surprised Pat McAfee. This Kyle Busch snubbed San Diego NASCAR race scenario was discussed on The Pat McAfee Show, underscoring rising tensions in the motorsports community.
NASCAR Moves High-Profile Race from Chicago to San Diego
NASCAR revealed it will not continue the Chicago street course event in 2026, shifting the location to San Diego at Naval Base Coronado. The Chicago street race has been notable for its excitement, such as Shane van Gisbergen’s recent victory at the track, but controversy lingered due to various issues during past events. The change marks a significant departure in venue, aiming to create a unique experience in San Diego, especially as the new event aligns with the grand celebration of America’s 250th year.
Kyle Busch elaborated on this venue change, stating,
“Yeah, it just came out. So, we’ve raced in the streets of Chicago the last couple of years. We’ve had our a big race there, and so that race has kind of moved off the calendar for now and we’re now going to the Naval Base in San Diego in replace of that event. So yeah, it’s going to be sweet,”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver.
Kyle Busch Left Out of Major 250th Birthday Commercial
Discussion on The Pat McAfee Show revealed that Busch was notably absent from a flagship NASCAR commercial designed to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. This commercial featured many of the sport’s top drivers, making Busch’s omission more conspicuous. Busch addressed the situation directly, stating he was not included, and Pat McAfee’s reaction was immediate and intense.
Pat McAfee exclaimed,
“They are always against you, KY. They are always against the rowdy one.”
—Pat McAfee, Sports Personality. Busch, who is known for his “Rowdy” nickname, experienced this as a fresh frustration in his relationship with NASCAR’s promotional efforts.
The Origin and Strength of ‘Rowdy’ Busch’s NASCAR Persona
Kyle Busch’s “Rowdy” moniker dates back to his early NASCAR Truck Series days. Busch recounted the tale of getting his race number by reversing his team’s initial number and embracing both the new number and the nickname.
“I used to run his first truck, which was No. 15, and when Billy wanted to run a second truck in a few races, he asked me what number I’d want to run. So, I told him to just reverse the 15 and make it 51. All his trucks were already painted black, and we put Rowdy Busch over the, and that’s sort of where it came from,”
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver.
Over time, Busch has become known for his aggressive style and numerous accomplishments on the track. He has thrilled fans with sweeping victories from pole position across multiple seasons, a feat later matched by Shane van Gisbergen. Despite controversies and difficulties, Busch’s popularity among fans remains strong, as he continues to compete with determination and skill.
The Impact of Snubs and What’s Ahead for NASCAR
Kyle Busch’s exclusion from San Diego’s race spotlight and from the celebratory commercial highlights ongoing challenges for both the driver and NASCAR’s relationship with some of its most impactful figures. With the 250th birthday of America and the new venue at Naval Base Coronado, the event is set to attract strong attention, military tributes, and renewed fan interest. Expectations are high for the upcoming San Diego race, especially as NASCAR and its stars seek to resonate with new and devoted audiences alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch has announced that he will keep driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing until the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This news was shared on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch has decided to keep driving for Richard Childress Racing until 2026 and doesn’t plan to retire soon. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner expressed his interest in racing with his son Brexton in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which is still six years in the future.
