Revving Up History: NASCAR Comes to Naval Air Station North Island

By Amy Forsythe, Military Affairs Reporter Photo courtesy of NASCAR & the US Navy

In June 2026, Coronado will find itself at the center of motorsports history as NASCAR brings a landmark race weekend to Naval Air Station North Island. From June 19-21, the roar of race cars will echo across the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation,” marking the first time NASCAR has ever raced on an active U.S. military installation.

Timed with the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, the event blends speed, service, and San Diego’s unmistakable coastal energy with the legacy of America’s coast-to-coast patriotic spirit. It also builds up toward the semi quincentennial 4th of July weekend celebrations.

“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,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, chief venue & racing innovation officer.

The three-day NASCAR San Diego Weekend will feature all three national series. Friday showcases the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Saturday brings the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Sunday culminates with the NASCAR Cup Series main event. Drivers will tackle a purpose-built street course that winds through base roadways and expansive runway sections, creating one of the most visually striking and technically demanding tracks in modern NASCAR history.

Why Coronado Is the Perfect Host

There may be no better backdrop for this historic race than Coronado itself. Long celebrated for its small-town charm, pristine beaches, and deep military roots, Coronado offers a rare blend of sophistication and accessibility. The island community has decades of experience hosting large-scale events — from military ceremonies to major holiday celebrations — while maintaining its welcoming, walkable atmosphere.

For decades, the roar of jet engines has been the soundtrack of NAS North Island, widely known as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation.” Come summer 2026, the thunderous rumble of NASCAR race cars will add a new kind of adrenaline to its storied runways and streets, in a historic weekend slated to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy. 

NASCAR drivers and officials visited Naval Air Station North Island to meet with Navy personnel in anticipation of the 2026 race.

U.S. Sailors man the rails aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as Nimitz pulls into San Diego in support of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17's return home, Dec. 7, 2025. CVW 17 operated as part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group during a nearly nine-month mission to the 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operations. Nimitz is pier side at Naval Air Station North Island for a scheduled port visit while operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carson Croom).

What to Expect on the Island

Race officials expect up to 50,000 spectators each day of the three-day event. Visitors arriving for race weekend will find more than just engines and grandstands. Coronado’s Orange Avenue is lined with locally owned shops, cafés, and restaurants, while nearby beaches provide a calm counterbalance to the high-octane action on the track. 

“As Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado and on behalf of the United States Navy, it’s an honor to partner with NASCAR at NAS North Island as part of our 250th anniversary celebration,” U.S. Navy Capt. Loren Jacobi said in a press release. 

“Hosting one of America’s premier motorsports events on this historic base reflects our partnership with the local community and our shared pride in the nation’s heritage,” Jacobi added. “We are privileged to showcase the dedication of our Sailors alongside NASCAR’s finest as we celebrate our 250th anniversary.” 

Just minutes away, downtown San Diego adds another layer of appeal. Fans can pair race day with waterfront dining, cultural attractions, and nightlife, all within a short drive or ferry ride from Coronado. Few NASCAR events offer such a seamless mix of motorsports, military history, and resort-style coastal living.

Community, Service, and Celebration

Beyond the racing, NASCAR San Diego Weekend is expected to include special programming honoring active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Community events, Navy-focused activations, and fan experiences are planned throughout the weekend, reinforcing the deep connection between Coronado, the Navy, and the region’s identity.

The economic impact is also significant. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in San Diego County, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses while placing Coronado on a global stage.

As engines fire up and the checkered flag waves in June 2026, Coronado won’t just be hosting a race; it will be hosting history. NASCAR at Naval Air Station North Island promises a once-in-a-generation weekend that celebrates speed, service, and Crown City’s unmistakable spirit.

The NASCAR racecourse on North Island.

A Track Unlike Any Other

The innovative course blends elements of traditional street racing with the expansive runways and tarmac of an active naval base. Fans can expect dramatic turns, long straights, and wide-open sections that will test the drivers’ skill and thrill the spectators. 

“It’ll be a blend of traditional street racing in a way where we’ll be winding our ways through some of the streets on the base,” Kennedy said. “They’ll be going past [aircraft] carriers. They’ll eventually go out onto the tarmac, probably by some military aircraft, maybe a couple of F-18s out there, and then back towards the entrance to the base.”

Renderings and simulator laps have already given fans a sneak peek at what’s to come: cars racing past docked aircraft carriers, tight corners along naval streets, and straightaways that push the cars toward their top speeds. 

Adding layers to the spectacle, parts of the course such as the start/finish area will pay homage to naval history and legacy, tying the weekend’s racing action to the base’s military significance. 

NASCAR executives Dave Allen, Ben Kennedy, Nicole Cruz, Amy Lupo, Ben Baker and Derek Muldowney.

NASCAR executive vice president.

What It Means for NASCAR

This NASCAR weekend makes a statement about the sport’s evolution and innovation. Only the second street race in modern NASCAR history — following events in Chicago — the San Diego event highlights the league’s willingness to push beyond traditional oval racing and bring the action closer to urban and iconic backdrops.

U.S. Navy personnel welcomes NASCAR drivers (L-R) William Byron, Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson and Chase Elliot to North Island.

For fans of speed and history alike, June 2026 in San Diego is shaping up to be unforgettable. From the first engine rev on Friday to the checkered flag on Sunday, NASCAR’s return to Southern California promises a racing weekend unlike any other.

For more information, go to: https://www.nascarsandiego.com.

∙  Amy Forsythe is an award-winning multimedia journalist with assignments around the world. She brings more than 30 years of experience in storytelling, public speaking, and multimedia content production. She's a retired Navy Public Affairs Officer and covers military and veteran events and topics. Connect with Amy online at heroeslivehere.net.