On June 19–21, 2026, Coronado will host one of the most anticipated sporting events in San Diego history. All three NASCAR national series — the Cup Series, O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Craftsman Truck Series — will race on a purpose-built 3.4-mile street course winding through Naval Base Coronado at Naval Air Station North Island. It's the first NASCAR event ever held on an active military base, and it's expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Coronado and the surrounding area.
The Course
The 16-turn circuit is the longest on NASCAR's 2026 schedule. It begins at the Ellyson Start/Finish Line — named for Commander Theodore Ellyson, Naval Aviator Number One — and threads competitors past aircraft carrier docking stations, through the Coronado Chicane, and around the interior of one of the world's foremost military installations. The course was designed to blend high-speed racing with views of San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline, and the base itself.
The Schedule
Friday, June 19, is Navy Community Day — open exclusively to military personnel and a limited number of Coronado residents, capped by the Craftsman Truck Series race. The general public gains access Saturday and Sunday. The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races Saturday, June 20, and the Cup Series headlines Sunday, June 21, with the Anduril 250 Race the Base. The event replaces the Chicago street race, which NASCAR put on pause after three seasons.
What It Means for Coronado Businesses
An influx of this magnitude will touch nearly every business category on the island. Hotels, motels, and vacation rentals across Coronado are likely to see peak-season demand during a weekend that would normally be pre-summer shoulder season. Restaurants and bars along Orange Avenue and the Ferry Landing will see overflow from race-day crowds. Retail shops, rideshare services, and even automotive businesses could benefit from the attention.
The event also celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, tying Coronado's deep military roots to a national stage. Naval Base Coronado — known as the West Coast Quarterdeck — is home to multiple commands and training facilities, and the race weekend will serve as a tribute to the service members who live and work on the island year-round.
Getting There
Access to the base requires a government-issued ID for U.S. citizens aged 18 and older, and a passport for foreign nationals. Grandstand tickets and travel packages are available through the official NASCAR San Diego website. For visitors staying on the island, Coronado's entertainment and recreation options extend well beyond the track — from beaches and parks to the newly expanded hotel and dining scene along Orange Avenue.
