NASCAR is returning to Naval Base Coronado next summer.
The premier Cup Series and supporting O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will stage a three-day event on the base from July 30 through Aug. 1.
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The race will not become permanent.
In announcing the agreement to stage a second street race at Naval Station Coronado in 2027, NASCAR and the Department of Defense said future annual stock car races will be held at different military bases starting in 2028.
“Our partnership with NASCAR gives us a unique national platform to honor the men and women who serve,” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in a statement.
“Our vision is bigger than a single race or location. By bringing this event to different military installations in the years ahead, we can reach more service members across the country and build an enduring tradition that celebrates courage, commitment and elite performance.”
Left unsaid was whether Coronado would be considered for later NASCAR races or possibly be open to other forms of racing.
“The inaugural NASCAR San Diego event was a major success on a number of levels,” Amy Lupo, president of NASCAR San Diego, said. “The 2027 event will feature enhancements and tweaks to what we did this year.”
NASCAR will again use the temporary, 3.4-mile, 16-turn street course it built for the 2026 event.
The biggest change in Year 2 will be the absence of the Craftsman Truck Series.
The O’Reilly Series cars will practice and qualify on July 30, with the majority of tickets going to personnel and families of Navy personnel stationed at Naval Base Coronado.
The O’Reilly race and Cup practice and qualifying will be held Saturday. The Cup race will be run Sunday.
NASCAR sold approximately 100,000 tickets to the Saturday and Sunday programs in 2026. Lupo said more tickets might be available in for next year’s race, although the capacity isn’t expected to drastically change.
“The capacity for 2027 has not been set,” said Lupo. “We want to be thoughtful about guest experiences. Food and beverage is one of the areas we’re diving into. We’re going to bring in more options and services. We want to feature local businesses and tastes. We’ve had a year of learning.”
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While the racing and viewing options got high marks in 2026, many spectators complained there weren’t enough locations to purchase food and drinks, including water.
“Some of our food and beverage options this year were limited because of the (San Diego County) Fair,” said Lupo.
The Padres will be out of town that weekend.
“What we experienced this year – the incredible racing, the energy from our fans and the partnership with the U.S. Navy and the San Diego community – showed just how special this event can be,” said Lupo.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to build on that momentum. We are fully committed to improving the experience for our fans. Together we will create another unforgettable weekend that celebrates the San Diego region, NASCAR, and most importantly, the brave sailors who selflessly serve our country.”
Even before the 2026 races were held, NASCAR was receiving overtures from other military installations about the possibility of hosting a Cup race. That led NASCAR and the Department of Defense to draft a plan to move an annual military-themed street race to other bases around the country.
“We are proud to welcome NASCAR back to Naval Base Coronado,” said acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao.
Race sponsors Anduril and United Rentals will return in 2027. Pala Casino Spa Resort, Qualcomm and Red Bull will also return as supporting partners for NASCAR San Diego.
Race distances and start times will be announced at a later date. TNT will televise the Cup Series race while the CW will televise the O’Reilly Series.
Tickets will go on sale at a later date, but fans can register for presale opportunities at nascarsandiego.com.
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