NASCAR has raced on the streets of Chicago the past three years. Beginning next year, it'll be the streets around San Diego's naval base.
It wasn’t surprising, given recent rumors, so you might expect muted headlines regarding NASCAR’s announcement that it’s replacing the Chicago Street Race with a similar event in San Diego next year.
Hardly.
They’re trading Chicago’s Fourth of July weekend for Father’s Day weekend next June. And instead of racing through the broad-shouldered Windy City, blanketed by skyscrapers and famous avenues and tourist attractions, the backdrop will be big-time Americana: alongside downtown San Diego on the island housing Naval Base Coronado.
And it’ll happen practically on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. On Father’s Day weekend, no less.
“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honored for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president. “NASCAR San Diego Weekend will honor the Navy’s history and the men and women who serve as we take the best motorsports in the world to the streets of Naval Base Coronado.”
And while NASCAR’s recent three-year run in Chicago included the Cup and Xfinity Series, all three of NASCAR’s top national circuits — including the Truck Series — will be part of the Friday-through-Sunday weekend next June 19-21 in San Diego.
"NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” said Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan. “From the flight deck to the finish line, this collaboration reflects the operational intensity and unity of purpose that define both the United States Navy and NASCAR.
"We’re proud to open our gates to the American people, honor those who wear the uniform, and inspire the next generation to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.”
NASCAR recently announced a "pause" in its relationship with Chicago, which was host to a Fourth of July weekend race the past three years — both Xfinity and Cup Series. NASCAR hasn't yet announced where the Fourth of July weekend race date will be moved.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR San Diego street race: U.S. Navy base will be 2026 backdrop
Category: General Sports
