News Summary
San Diego has been chosen as the venue for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, making history with the first-ever NASCAR race on an active military installation at Naval Base Coronado. The race will take place from June 19 to June 21, coinciding with the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. This innovative event highlights NASCAR’s commitment to connecting with military families and introduces unique elements such as military aircraft on the race course. Pre-sale tickets will be available this fall, promising new experiences for fans.
San Diego has been chosen as a groundbreaking host for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which will feature an innovative street race at Naval Base Coronado. This event marks a historic moment as it will be the first-ever NASCAR race held on an active military installation.
The full schedule for the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series has been unveiled, introducing several significant changes, including the return of Ram to the NASCAR lineup. The season will kick off during the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend on February 28, 2026, with subsequent races held at various venues.
Key Race Details
Scheduled events at Naval Base Coronado will occur from June 19 to June 21, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy. The Truck Series race is planned for June 19, followed by races from the Xfinity Series and Cup Series on June 20 and 21, respectively. Access to the base will be limited on June 19 to U.S. Navy members and Coronado Island residents due to Navy Community Day, while general public ticket holders will be allowed entry starting June 20.
Supporting Information
The Truck Series race will primarily cater to military families stationed at the base, emphasizing a connection between the NASCAR community and military personnel. NASCAR officials have indicated that the race course will include unique elements, such as running past military aircraft, and a final course layout will be released later this fall. The event represents not only a new chapter for the Craftsman Truck Series but also underscores NASCAR’s commitment to diversifying its race formats, including the introduction of street racing events.
Background Context
Earlier discussions regarding the San Diego race were led by Ben Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Racing Development and Strategy for NASCAR, indicating a strong interest in building partnerships with San Diego and potentially other military installations in the future. NASCAR’s return to Southern California signifies its first appearance in the region since February 2024, ending a hiatus from hosting major events at California Speedway.
In addition to the Truck Series events, the NASCAR San Diego Weekend will also include a Pit Crew Challenge and an expected high turnout of race fans, thanks to well-established infrastructure for accommodating spectators. The series anticipates significant interest, echoing NASCAR’s strategic initiative to reach broader audiences and create memorable experiences for fans and participants alike.
The return of Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen, a champion and dominant figure in the ARCA Menards Series, to Kaulig Racing’s Truck Series effort further adds to the excitement surrounding the 2026 season. Queen won 8 out of 20 races in 2025 and will bring his competitive spirit to the NASCAR stage with support from Ram.
For those looking to attend the 2026 NASCAR San Diego Weekend, pre-sale tickets will be available this fall. An FAQ section on the official NASCAR website will provide further details about access to the San Diego events.
The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is poised to deliver an exciting blend of tradition and innovation, with an emphasis on inclusivity for military families and fans in a historic setting. NASCAR’s venture into San Diego promises to be a memorable chapter in the series’ ongoing evolution.
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Additional Resources
- NASCAR News: San Diego 2026 Street Race Announcement
- Fox Sports: NASCAR San Diego Race Details
- New York Times: NASCAR San Diego Race Overview
- CBS Sports: 2026 NASCAR Schedule Announcement
- Google Search: NASCAR San Diego 2026
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
