Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is taking all the anticipation in stride as NASCAR readies for its first street race at Naval Base Coronado in 2026, keeping his focus on the excitement of the new event rather than uncertainties. The Kyle Larson Naval Base Coronado NASCAR debut is set to create history in San Diego, reviving stock car competition in Southern California after several years.
NASCAR set for a milestone race at Naval Base Coronado
The official announcement on Wednesday, July 23, confirmed that NASCAR will return to Southern California in 2026, staging its inaugural points-paying street race at San Diego’s historic Naval Base Coronado. This marks NASCAR’s first points event in the region since 2023 and is set to provide a dramatic backdrop with its blend of coastal scenery and military history. For fans and teams alike, the prospect of racing on a Navy base is a unique draw.
During his recent visit to the base, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson shared his perspective on the new calendar addition. For Larson, the prospect of racing at such a notable location outweighs any uncertainty about the course layout itself. The chance to compete at a venue steeped in both history and picturesque views creates considerable excitement for the Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) team and their supporters.
“I don’t know. I have no clue. I don’t even know. I haven’t seen any drawing or anything of anything yet, but I don’t really care what the course is. I’m just happy that we’re doing this, and I think it’s going to be a fun event no matter what. It’s a beautiful part of the country. You’re racing on a Navy base. This is pretty surreal.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series driver
NASCAR has indicated that detailed information about the San Diego street course will emerge soon. As of now, the race’s blueprint is being developed through a combination of on-site driving and input from the virtual racing simulator iRacing, ensuring that the new track will offer challenging and engaging competition.
Drivers anticipate unpredictability and excitement from the unique street course
Kyle Larson discussed the uncertainty surrounding the San Diego street race in an interview with Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports. He pointed out that unconventional race venues can lead to unexpectedly thrilling and dramatic racing, drawing from experience with past street and road courses. The champion suggested that even though it’s unclear whether the track at Naval Base Coronado will be especially chaotic, he is convinced it will offer fans a highly entertaining show.
“Yeah, I mean, I think, I don’t know. I mean, I think a lot of times the weirder and crazier the tracks are, the better racing we have. You know, a lot of times I think when we think things aren’t going to be right, it creates chaos and whatnot. And like I said, I have no idea if this is going to be a chaotic course or not. I’m just thinking of previous things. But, yeah. It’s going to be fun. Like I said”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series driver
This event, which will be the first-ever stock car race held on an active Navy base, adds a new chapter for NASCAR, combining tradition with innovation. The involvement of key organizations such as NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, and the U.S. Navy, along with the extensive preparation including iRacing simulations, means the race will attract attention from teams, drivers, and racing fans across the country.
Action-packed racing weekend scheduled for San Diego in 2026
The NASCAR San Diego Weekend will be a packed affair, spanning three days at Naval Base Coronado. The event will begin with the Truck Series on Friday, June 19, continue with the Xfinity Series on June 20, and culminate in the much-anticipated Cup Series race on June 21. As the exact course details await finalization, anticipation is high among teams and drivers about the challenges and opportunities this novel street course will present.
With this debut, Southern California racing enthusiasts can look forward to a spectacular blend of motorsport and military tradition, as Kyle Larson and other drivers prepare to tackle the unknowns of the new Naval Base Coronado circuit. The event stands to not only reestablish San Diego’s place on the NASCAR map but to push the boundaries of what a stock car venue can be, promising lasting excitement for fans and competitors alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. While Larson might not defeat Verstappen in Formula 1, he is considered the most adaptable driver globally. Bianchi believes Larson stands out because his experience spans many car types. He excels in winning across several completely different racing formats.
Q. What caused Kyle Larson to crash?
A. The day after the crash, Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports shared Kyle Larson’s comments online. Larson explained that the crash was caused by a broken axle.
Q. Asked about Larson’s claim on Thursday, he had just two coy words: Asked Max Verstappen for his response to Kyle Larson’s comments about being a better all-round driver – Max just smiled and said: \x26quot;That’s fine. Everyone thinks their own way, right?\x26quot; With a quick detour to another sport, let me put it this way.
A. What was Max Verstappen’s reaction to Kyle Larson?
Q. Who did Kyle Larson marry?
A. In Concord, NC, Kyle Larson and his wife Katelyn celebrated the arrival of their third baby, Cooper Donald Larson, on New Year’s Eve. Kyle, who drives the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, shared this happy news online on Monday. Cooper is now the youngest sibling to Owen, who is 8, and Audrey, who is 4.
