NASCAR is replacing its Chicago stop with a road race in San Diego, according to the Associated Press.

A source within the racing organization told NBC 7 that the event would run on the naval base on Coronado during Father’s Day weekend (June 19-21) next year, adding that the raceway could be as long as three miles.

The event will be the first NASCAR points race run in Southern California since 2023 in Fontana, Calif., and the first one ever held in San Diego County.

The idea to hold a race in San Diego was raised after it was announced that Chicago would not be holding its road race next year. It’s not clear at this point who conceived of the Coronado concept, but the stock-car series does a lot to tap into its military fan base, so the selection of San Diego County makes sense.

How long San Diego County might have the race is an unknown as well, especially given the following statement NASCAR released:

“Following a successful three years, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to allow NASCAR to be responsive to residents’ and elected officials’ feedback. We will continue to work together toward a new potential date and develop a plan to further optimize operational efficiencies with the goal of the event’s return in 2027.”

An official NASCAR announcement for San Diego has been scheduled for Wednesday, though the organization has not responded officially to a request for a comment for this story, nor has the city manager or police public information officer of Coronado.

Several other outlets are reporting the news as well, including The Athletic, the New York Times sports site; and Racer.com.

“NASCAR has explored multiple options to hold a points race in Southern California — a key market to the league, its teams, media rights partners and sponsors,” reported the Athletic recently. “This search led NASCAR to San Diego, which has never hosted a Cup race …”

Southern California last hosted NASCAR in 2024 on a quarter-mile short track built inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during its exhibition season in February.

Denny Hamlin, who wasn’t even sure he’d be healed from offseason shoulder surgery in time to compete in the Clash at the Coliseum, won the exhibition that NASCAR hurried into a one-day show to avoid a dangerous Pineapple Express storm headed toward California.