The announcement of a 2026 NASCAR street race on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego marked a historic and deeply symbolic move for the sport. This unprecedented event, replacing the Chicago Street Race on the calendar, will be the first-ever NASCAR race held on an active military base. The patriotic tie-in is expected to create a unique atmosphere, with the track weaving past sights like aircraft carriers and F-18 fighter jets on the tarmac.

The initial feedback from the Navy and the racing community has been overwhelmingly positive, exemplified by Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, who spoke for his peers, saying the event will be a “whole other level” in terms of showing patriotism. And now, NASCAR has finally revealed the beautiful layout of the most anticipated track of 2026.

Inside NASCAR’s new San Diego course

NASCAR has officially unveiled the details of its first-ever street course at Naval Base Coronado for the 2026 NASCAR San Diego Weekend, presented by Anduril. The 16-turn, 3.4-mile circuit will challenge drivers with a mix of high-speed straights, sharp corners, and scenic views along San Diego Bay, while serving as a patriotic backdrop for the United States Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration from June 19-21, 2026.

“It’s so exciting to finally share the street course layout and provide this first look for our long-time 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 level of 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 promises memorable moments with signature turns like Turn 5, Carrier Corner, located between two docked aircraft carriers, Turn 8, the Coronado Chicane, and Turn 15, Runway Road, situated near Halsey Field’s north runway. The Ellyson Star/Finish Line honors Commander Theodore Ellyson, Naval Aviator Number One, reflecting the location’s historical significance as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation.”

Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer, had earlier talked on the significance of the event and timing, saying, “What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy, 250th anniversary of our country and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026. And I’m bullish on it being the best sporting event of the year.”

On the deep partnership between the Naval base and NASCAR, Craig Stimmel, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, also noted earlier this year, saying, “NASCAR has long been woven into the fabric of Americana; it’s a sport that connects with fans across generations and reflects the energy and determination that define us… We’re excited to welcome them as the title partner of NASCAR San Diego Weekend and as NASCAR’s Official Defense Partner.“

Grandstand seating and hospitality areas will be available throughout the circuit, offering fans unique vantage points of both the racing action and the iconic military backdrop. The three-day event begins on Friday, June 19, 2026, with Navy Community Day, exclusively for U.S. Navy members and select Coronado residents, featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.

The general public can attend on June 20-21, with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series racing on Saturday and the NASCAR Cup Series headlining the Anduril 250 Race the Base on Sunday. Pre-sale ticket deposits are already being accepted at NASCARSanDiego.com, opening on October 23rd, with general public sales beginning on November 7th. Yet, tension still looms over the multi-platform media strategy of NASCAR.

NASCAR bets on diversity in media amid changing viewer habits

The NASCAR Cup Series has faced a tough season as viewership numbers hit new lows, raising concerns across the garage and fan community. For instance, New Hampshire drew just 1.29 million viewers, a 28% drop from 2024’s 1.88 million, while the Pocono event attracted 1.87 million, down 22% from last year’s 2.4 million. Despite the criticism, NASCAR’s leadership has largely remained unshaken, pointing to long-term strategic changes rather than short-term ratings declines.

At the end of 2023, NASCAR gained a landmark $7 billion media rights deal involving 4 major partners: Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Amazon Prime, and TNT Sports, to broadcast the 2025 schedule. This multi-platform approach reflects the changing media landscape, as cable subscriptions have fallen from over 100 million a decade ago to 68 million in 2024, with 23% of Gen Z and 18% millennials planning to cut subscriptions within the next year.

“NASCAR Chief Brand Officer Tim Clark says there was trepidation over having five very diverse broadcasters but that Jim France has touted having five of the biggest brands in broadcasting having incentive to push NASCAR is important. Says there were some surprises along the way,” tweeted journalist Matt Weaver. The new broadcasting strategy has been overwhelming for some fans, who now need to switch between channels and apps to follow races.

Still, CEO Jim France and media analysts see the approach as necessary. Jessica Forest, Group VP of Nielsen, explained, “The hybrid approach that NASCAR has employed is critical in a time where media consumption is as fragmented as it is. I think it would be very tough for one rights holder to put all their eggs in one media distribution basket. That would also be very expensive for a media company.” 

While traditional ratings have dipped, NASCAR is betting on a diversified, long-term model that embraces both streaming and broadcast platforms.