NASCAR is set to make history by racing on an active military base for the first time in June 2026, when it heads to San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado, and there is growing excitement around both local favorite Sheldon Creed and the potential Jimmie Johnson San Diego Cup return. The decision from NASCAR on competition rules will determine whether Creed can realize his ambition of competing across all three national series during this landmark event, which has major personal stakes for several drivers.
NASCAR’s Unprecedented Coronado Race Builds Anticipation
The much-anticipated Coronado street race is scheduled for June 19 to 21, 2026, bringing the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series together on an innovative circuit that will mix fixed-base roads with stretches of open tarmac. Racing action will unfold against the dramatic backdrop of military assets, including aircraft carriers and jets, offering fans a distinctive setting unlike any in series history.
This occasion means more to Sheldon Creed than most. As an East County native, Creed has spoken openly about what a home race represents for his career and personal life. During a Playoff Media Day, he emphasized the unique nature of the San Diego competition both for him and those close to him:
“My whole family still lives right there 25 minutes east of downtown and in East County, so I’m excited to come race at home in front of all my friends and family and just to be in my hometown racing. I never would have dreamed or thought that NASCAR would go to San Diego, so I’m really excited for that… I’m waiting to hear what NASCAR’s rules are going to be,” Creed said during Playoff Media Day. “The first year we went to Chicago they didn’t allow other drivers to run Xfinity or Cup or swap back and forth, so I’m waiting on the ruling from that, but, yes, the goal is to try to run all three.”
Creed’s aspirations hinge on the official rules. For the 2023 Chicago street race debut, NASCAR enforced regulations preventing drivers from entering multiple series in the same weekend, a policy that could resurface at Coronado. If so, racers would be restricted to their main points-earning series. At this stage, Creed is slated to compete in the Xfinity Series behind the wheel of the No. 00 for the Haas Factory Team, but he remains hopeful for opportunities in both Truck and Cup Series—pending NASCAR’s impending rule announcement.
Jimmie Johnson Eyes Homecoming at Coronado
Another major storyline surrounds Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time Cup Series champion and El Cajon native, whose family ties to the area add resonance to the event. Johnson, who now races selectively after stepping back from full-time competition, has shown renewed form with a top-three finish in the Daytona 500 this season, driving Legacy Motor Club’s No. 84 car. Johnson’s interest in competing at Coronado has fans speculating about a memorable homecoming appearance, potentially sharing the spotlight with other local stars such as Creed, Sam Mayer, and Cole Custer.
Haas Factory Team Ushers in Change With Chevrolet Switch
The 2026 season also marks a significant transition for the Haas Factory Team, as they shift from Ford to Chevrolet for both their Cup and Xfinity Series programs. In forming a new partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, Haas Factory Team is aiming to revitalize its lineup and technical capabilities, supported by Hendrick engines and greater access to Chevrolet-backed resources within each series.
This change stands to benefit California-born Creed, providing additional chances for him to participate in other series beyond Xfinity, as the broader pool of Chevrolet-supported entries could be advantageous if cross-series restrictions are lifted. As team owner Rick Hendrick reflected, the collaboration has deep roots and is expected to yield strong results:
“We have a long history with Gene and his organization, including winning championships together, so this feels almost like a homecoming. Our relationship started many years ago with Haas CNC machines in our facilities, and I’ve always admired the passion that he and Joe Custer have for the sport and their desire to win. We’re proud to support Haas Factory Team and thrilled to work together to deliver more victories for Chevrolet.”
Under this new setup, Cole Custer will continue in the Cup Series driving the No. 41, with Creed and Sam Mayer anchoring the Xfinity effort in the Nos. 00 and 41 cars, respectively. The re-launch with Chevrolet comes at the Feb. 1 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, after which the team tackles the season opener at Daytona. Both Mayer and Creed are contending in the Xfinity Playoffs, with their focus set beyond September’s opener at Bristol and hopes of building momentum ahead of the San Diego showcase.
What’s At Stake as the San Diego Homecoming Nears
For Sheldon Creed, the prospect of competing at his home track during the Jimmie Johnson San Diego Cup return brings unrivaled excitement, as the event could stand as a career highlight if he’s given the green light to chase all three wins. The emotional weight of racing in front of friends, family, and supporters resonates for both Creed and Johnson, ensuring that Coronado’s inaugural NASCAR weekend is poised to be a celebration of local heritage and athletic ambition.
The significance of the San Diego race extends beyond individual dreams, marking a pivotal moment for the city, the drivers with local roots, and the broader NASCAR fanbase. Official confirmation from NASCAR on the rules regarding cross-series participation will set the final stage, determining which homegrown talents and Cup legends are able to make history together at the milestone event.
