A landmark moment is coming to the NASCAR calendar in 2026. For the first time, all three national series will unite for a special Father’s Day weekend of racing. The three-day event is set to bring a rare kind of action never seen before in the sport’s long history. NASCAR has confirmed plans for a tripleheader that will feature the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series, setting the stage for a weekend that could reshape future schedules.
Key Highlights
-
NASCAR to race on Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, June 19–21, 2026.
-
First event ever held on an active military base.
-
Second Cup Series street course after Chicago’s three-year run.
-
All three national touring series will compete over the weekend.
-
Event designed to reconnect with Southern California fans after Fontana’s exit.
A New Chapter for NASCAR in Southern California
For decades, Southern California has been an integral part of NASCAR’s story, from Riverside’s legendary road course to Fontana’s two-mile oval at Auto Club Speedway. But after Fontana’s final race and the conclusion of the LA Coliseum’s preseason Clash, NASCAR’s 2025 schedule left the region without a points-paying event for the first time in years.
That absence spurred NASCAR to pursue an innovative solution, ultimately bringing racing to San Diego. The event aims to do more than just restore a California stop. It creates an immersive experience celebrating the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday. Naval Base Coronado, home to key elements of the Pacific Fleet, provides an iconic backdrop and a rare opportunity to merge motorsports with military heritage.
The Street Circuit and Event Plans
While the exact course layout has not yet been finalized, early plans indicate a roughly 3-mile street circuit weaving through operational areas of the base. The route is expected to pass aircraft carriers, aviation hangars, and offer sweeping views of the San Diego skyline, creating a setting unlike anything else on the NASCAR calendar. Hosting a race on an active military installation brings unique challenges, from strict security protocols to logistical planning for teams, fans, and equipment.
NASCAR and the Navy are preparing a three-day festival atmosphere to accompany the racing action. The schedule is set with the Craftsman Truck Series on June 19, the Xfinity Series on June 20, and the Cup Series headlining on June 21. Organizers envision more than just a race weekend, incorporating tributes to naval history, on-base tours, and community engagement events that highlight the partnership between NASCAR and the armed forces.
Restoring a West Coast Tradition
Southern California’s racing heritage is woven into NASCAR’s history books. Riverside International Raceway hosted decades of road course classics before Auto Club Speedway opened in 1997, giving the region a superspeedway for over two decades. With Auto Club shuttered and its future uncertain, NASCAR had faced criticism for abandoning a major market that helped grow the sport’s fan base on the West Coast.
The San Diego event seeks to fill that void in a dramatic fashion. By choosing a street course rather than a permanent track, NASCAR taps into a growing appetite for city-based races following Chicago’s success. It also offers a completely new challenge for drivers, teams, and fans, breaking from the traditional oval-heavy schedule.
Significance Beyond Racing
The choice of Naval Base Coronado carries symbolic weight. NASCAR has long prided itself on ties to the military, regularly honoring service members during events. A race held directly on a base extends that relationship in a visible, meaningful way. The venue has cinematic ties, too—Naval Base Coronado famously appeared in “Top Gun: Maverick,” connecting pop culture to this landmark race. For teams, the event promises a unique technical test.
Street courses demand precision, tight braking zones, and adaptability—elements that differ drastically from NASCAR’s standard high-speed ovals. Combined with the complexities of operating inside a secure military installation, this race could set a new benchmark for logistics and race strategy. The move is also expected to draw national media attention, potentially making it one of the most-watched races of 2026.
Looking Ahead to June 2026
With planning underway and anticipation building, all eyes are on San Diego as NASCAR and the Navy refine details for this historic weekend. The final course layout, grandstand arrangements, and security protocols are expected to be revealed in the coming months. What is clear is that this event replaces Chicago’s street race on the 2026 Cup schedule.
However, NASCAR has not closed the door on Chicago returning in future years, suggesting an evolving approach to non-traditional venues. For now, San Diego represents a bold new frontier, bringing the roar of stock cars to an active military setting and reconnecting NASCAR with Southern California fans in spectacular fashion.
News in Brief: NASCAR’s 2026 Father’s Day Tripleheader Weekend
NASCAR will hold its first-ever race on an active military base when all three national series compete on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, June 19–21, 2026. The event marks the second modern Cup Series street race, filling Southern California’s schedule gap after Fontana and the LA Coliseum exits. The 3-mile circuit will run through naval facilities with unique military tributes and fan experiences planned.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Fans Debate Ticket Sales Dip at 2025 Brickyard 400 Despite Thrilling Finish
