NASCAR’s long search for a new city circuit has finally landed on the Pacific coast after failed negotiations with the city of Chicago. NASCAR officially unveiled its next major street course project in San Diego, transforming a Naval Base Coronado into a venue for the sport’s top drivers.

The NASCAR San Diego Weekend is set for June 19-21, 2026, and will serve as the focal point of the United States Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration. The digital flyover video showcased a 16-turn, 3.4-mile track that blends military views with scenes of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

“It’s so exciting to finally share the street course layout and provide this first look for our longtime and new fans,” said NASCAR San Diego President Amy Lupo.

“Anticipation for this event is already high, and we know this course layout will raise that excitement even higher. We can’t wait to see how the best drivers in the world meet this challenge, while celebrating America’s Navy.”

The course starts with a right-hand launch from the Ellyson Start/Finish Line, named after Commander Theodore Ellyson, the first Naval Aviator whose early training at North Island in 1917 helped establish naval aviation. Drivers then navigate through two 90-degree left-hand turns before reaching Carrier Corner at Turn 5, located between the docking sites of active U.S. aircraft carriers.

The course then tightens at Turn 8, called the Coronado Chicane, a tricky section that requires careful driving. Afterward, cars accelerate through Turn 14, known as Runway Road, which is close to the active runway at Halsey Field.

The San Diego circuit will be the longest course on NASCAR’s 2026 schedule. After mixed reactions to the past two Chicago Street Races due to weather and logistics, the organization hopes the move will represent its efforts to change. 

Few drivers start an event with more momentum than Shane van Gisbergen, who stands as the benchmark for road-course dominance today. The New Zealander has secured five straight NASCAR road race victories, including the Charlotte Roval in October 2025, a feat only Jeff Gordon has previously achieved.

His win at the 2023 Chicago Street Race marked his debut victory, making him the first driver since 1963 to win in his Cup Series debut. His current stats feature a 33.3 percent win rate, an average finish of 7.4, and an average start of 3.8, placing him among the most efficient road racers in Cup Series history.

DON’T MISS…

The NASCAR San Diego Weekend will feature multiple series, patriotic tributes, and interactive fan access inside Naval Base Coronado. It will serve as a litmus test for NASCAR to compare its regional statistics following the race.Â