Naval Base Coronado

The Naval Base Coronado racing circuit is a temporary street course located on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. This 3.4-mile circuit features 16 turns and runs through an active military installation. The track will host NASCAR events for the first time in June 2026, marking a historic moment for American motorsport. The race weekend celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and represents the first time NASCAR has competed on an active military base.

Historical Background

Naval Base Coronado has hosted motorsport events before the scheduled 2026 NASCAR weekend. The Sports Car Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) organized the Coronado Speed Festival on a temporary 1.7-mile circuit built on the runways of Coronado North Island Naval Air Station. These events featured vintage racing, car shows, military pit crew challenges, and aircraft displays. The Global MX-5 Cup raced at the Coronado Street Course in 2012 and 2013. Stadium Super Trucks also competed at the venue in 2014. The expanded 3.4-mile circuit for the 2026 NASCAR event builds on this motorsport heritage.

Technical Specifications and Layout

The circuit measures 3.4 miles (5.47 kilometers) in length and includes 16 turns. The asphalt surface runs through the streets of the naval base and incorporates sections of existing tarmac. Race organizers created a layout that combines high-speed sections with technical corners. Drivers will experience challenging sequences that test both speed and precision. The circuit provides clear views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Key Turns and Features

Several turns carry special significance. The Ellyson Start/Finish Line honors Commander Theodore Ellyson, who earned the designation of Naval Aviator Number One. His training at North Island helped establish the base as a naval air station in 1917. The base earned recognition as the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation." Turn 5, called Carrier Corner, is a sharp left-hand turn positioned between two aircraft carrier docking locations. Turn 8, the Coronado Chicane, begins a series of turns that lead drivers deeper into the base interior. Turn 14, Runway Road, sits near the north end of Runway 18/36 at Halsey Field.

NASCAR San Diego Weekend 2026

The NASCAR San Diego Weekend runs from June 19-21, 2026. All three NASCAR national series will compete at the circuit. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races on June 19. The NASCAR Xfinity Series (O'Reilly Auto Parts Series) follows on June 20. The NASCAR Cup Series closes the weekend with the Anduril 250 Race the Base on June 21. Navy Community Day opens the event on Friday, June 19, 2026. Access on this day is limited to U.S. Navy members at Naval Base Coronado and select Coronado residents. Amy Lupo serves as NASCAR San Diego President. She previously helped launch the Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cup Series race concludes Prime Video's five-race broadcast window for 2026.

Unique Characteristics

The circuit offers features unavailable at traditional racing venues. The track runs through an active military base with aircraft carriers, F-18 fighter jets, and military installations visible throughout. This creates a distinctive backdrop for racing action. The event replaces the Chicago Street Course on the NASCAR calendar and becomes the second street race in NASCAR history. NASCAR returns to Southern California for the first time since February 2024. The event logo displays an F-18 Super Hornet jet and stars representing land, sea, and air. Stripes represent the four armed forces branches. Grandstand seating and hospitality areas are positioned throughout the circuit to maximize viewing opportunities.