NASCAR has confirmed a groundbreaking race for 2026, one that will stand apart in its 75-year history. For the first time, all three national series will compete on an active military base. The venue? Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. The unique course will run across streets and airfield tarmac, surrounded by fighter jets and aircraft carriers. Scheduled for Father’s Day weekend, with the Cup Series headlining on June 21, this race promises patriotic significance and visual spectacle unlike anything the sport has seen before.
Key Highlights
First-ever NASCAR race on an active U.S. military base.
All three national series to race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego.
Custom street course will include runway and road sections inside the base.
Public attendance expected in the tens of thousands despite location restrictions.
Cup Series race set for June 21, 2026, during Navy’s 250th anniversary.
Inside the Navy Base Track Setup
Naval Base Coronado isn’t just a symbol of American sea power—it’s the planned host for NASCAR’s most ambitious temporary course to date. The base, located across the bay from downtown San Diego, houses several aircraft carriers and is home to the Naval Air Station North Island. The course, still being finalized, will include runways and streets within the base itself. Though the layout is not confirmed, NASCAR is working with iRacing simulations to model potential designs, with early plans suggesting a lap length near three miles.
“Part of the course will be a bit set in stone, because we can’t move many of the streets around. But part of it will also be a blank canvas.” – Ben Kennedy
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
This hybrid course, blending military infrastructure with racing spectacle, aims to strike a balance between thrilling design and respect for operational needs. Hairpins, chicanes, and long straightaways are all under consideration.
Logistics, Access, and Attendance
Even though the venue is a restricted military base, NASCAR is committed to welcoming fans in large numbers. Grandstands, hospitality suites, and general admission options will be available. With sprawling open space and a long course footprint, tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend. Comparisons are already being made to public events at nearby military installations, such as the airshow at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, which regularly draws crowds near 700,000.
“The great part about it is the base has plenty of space to use, and the course will be pretty sizable, too.” – Ben Kennedy
NASCAR's Ben Kennedy gives me a little bit of insight into the course to be used next year as we look from the Naval Base Coronado control tower. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/OkgF6f2v96
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 24, 2025
Kennedy assured that while logistics are complex, close coordination with military personnel will make the race both operationally feasible and safe for public entry. Barriers and fencing can be installed in advance along less sensitive sections, while tighter corners will see final setup closer to race weekend.
Why San Diego — And Why Now?
NASCAR’s long-standing ties with the military make San Diego a natural fit for this celebration of the Navy’s 250th anniversary. Since the closure of California Speedway and the planned end of the Clash at the Coliseum after 2024, NASCAR has been exploring new Southern California venues. San Diego’s market size, military presence, and picturesque setting made it a prime candidate.
“It felt like just such a natural opportunity for us to explore.” – Ben Kennedy
Kennedy’s scheduling committee began considering military venues nearly four years ago, with the Coronado base ultimately selected due to its infrastructure, history, and operational flexibility. The event will celebrate not just the Navy, but the nation’s 250th birthday as well—making it a patriotic cornerstone of NASCAR’s 2026 season.
Looking Beyond 2026
While the 2026 event is being touted as a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, there’s interest in seeing if similar races could be held at other military bases in the future. NASCAR does not currently view Naval Base Coronado as a permanent fixture on the calendar, and any return would depend on logistics, partnerships, and military cooperation.
“This could also be an opportunity for us to move into other military installations across the country, too.” – Ben Kennedy
Like the Coliseum and the Chicago Street Race, NASCAR may use San Diego as a proving ground. Success here could lead to a rotating model of military-based races across different branches and bases nationwide, creating a unique series of patriotic motorsport events.
News in Brief: NASCAR 2026 Military Base Race
NASCAR will race on an active military base for the first time in 2026 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. The new temporary street course will use both streets and airfield tarmac on the base, with the Cup Series racing on June 21 during Father’s Day weekend. The event will honor the Navy’s 250th anniversary and will be open to the public. With attendance expected in the tens of thousands, this race is set to become one of the most distinctive events in NASCAR history. Experience this historic race—mark your calendar for June 21, 2026.
