Denny Hamlin on NASCAR San Diego race offered measured optimism this week, as NASCAR prepared to move its Cup Series street event from Chicago to San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado in June 2026—a sweeping change that leaves the Chicago event on pause, possibly until 2027. The announcement establishes a new West Coast venue for the series, representing a unique first race at an active military base and raising both anticipation and open questions among drivers and fans.
NASCAR Reveals San Diego Street Race for 2026 Season
Last week, NASCAR confirmed it will hold its first-ever street race at Naval Base Coronado, with the event scheduled for June 19-21, 2026. This three-day event fills the spot previously held by the Chicago Street Race, which had featured on the Cup Series calendar for three consecutive years. NASCAR termed this change a “pause,” suggesting the possibility of a return to Chicago in the future, though no specific date has been promised. By selecting a major naval facility in Southern California, NASCAR seeks to break new ground, providing both a distinctive racing atmosphere and a showcase for military partnership.
Denny Hamlin Shares His Thoughts on the Switch
On his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Denny Hamlin made clear that, although he’s enthusiastic about racing in San Diego, leaving Chicago stings for both competitors and longtime fans. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver discussed the promotion surrounding the San Diego event and acknowledged its strong start.
“I’m excited to go to San Diego,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver. Hamlin openly expressed a preference for keeping the street race in Chicago, now forced to accept “a soft breakup” as the deal with the city faltered. He commented,
“Certainly, if we were going to stay on the streets somewhere, I’ve advocated that I’d like Chicago. I think we should stay at Chicago. They’re going to work out whatever deal they’ve got with the city there. Maybe, hopefully. I wouldn’t count on it. I think it was more of a soft breakup than anything.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver.
Despite disappointments over Chicago, Hamlin sees strategic logic in Southern California. He called San Diego “a good alternative” and noted,
“We’re back in Southern California again,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver. He suggested the shift could help attract sponsors, adding,
“That should be good for our sponsors.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver.
What Makes the San Diego Venue Unique?
NASCAR’s move to Naval Base Coronado makes history, as this marks the organization’s first street circuit event at an active military base. The track is expected to extend close to three miles, making it an unusually long street course by Cup Series standards. Hamlin admitted the new format remains a mystery, and drivers may face a steep learning curve as they adapt to the unfamiliar layout and environment.
Hamlin remains upbeat despite uncertainties:
“I’m going to stay positive about it because it looks like it’s going to be very cool,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver. He also praised San Diego as a destination, emphasizing,
“And certainly, the city is one that is a great place to go.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver.
NASCAR Highlights Schedule Diversity and Expectations
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, called the San Diego event an ambitious and exciting shift. The Cup Series has been expanding its diversity, having previously held high-profile races such as the Clash at the LA Coliseum between 2022 and 2024, and will now add military heritage to its schedule. Kennedy described the upcoming San Diego race as
“the best sporting event of the year.”
—Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President.
He emphasized the sport’s adaptability and varied calendar, stating,
“I think it emphasizes the fact that not only we can race literally anywhere in the world, but that we have some of the best and most versatile drivers in all of motorsports as well,”
—Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President. Kennedy believes NASCAR now offers
“the most diverse schedule that we have in our sport, and I would argue the most diverse schedule across all of motorsports when you consider the different amounts of track types that we race at.”
—Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President.
Implications for NASCAR, Fans, and Sponsors
NASCAR’s decision to transition its street race from Chicago to San Diego reshapes the Cup Series landscape. With Naval Base Coronado offering a completely new racing experience, the organization expands its West Coast presence, potentially drawing military communities and sponsors. Denny Hamlin on NASCAR San Diego race shows a blend of excitement and concern, reflective of both opportunity and uncertainty. As the event draws closer, attention turns to how drivers and teams will tackle the track, and whether the San Diego experiment could set a precedent for future NASCAR scheduling changes or even a return to Chicago in years to come.
