NASCAR Announces First Street Race on Active Military Base

NASCAR will replace its downtown Chicago street race in 2026 with a new event at Naval Base Coronado in Southern California, marking a historic first for the sport and the U.S. Navy.

This move marks a strategic move for the motorsport series, leveraging a unique venue to celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary and engage new audiences.

The three-day event, scheduled for 19-21 June, will feature all three of NASCAR’s national series on what is expected to be a temporary 3-mile street course. This will be NASCAR’s second street race in its history, and the first ever on an active military base.

Strategy and Brand Alignment

The decision positions NASCAR alongside patriotic values, tapping into the symbolic power of military partnership and the broader celebration of America’s semiquincentennial.

“As part of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are honoured for NASCAR to join the celebration as we host our first street race at a military base,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief of Venue and Racing Innovations.

U.S. Navy Secretary John C. Phelan added: “Hosting a race aboard Naval Air Station North Island is not just a historic first—it’s a powerful tribute to the values we share: grit, teamwork and love of country.”

This collaboration offers both entities important brand reinforcement and a platform for engaging the military community.

Commercial and Operational Implications

By bringing all three national series: the Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series together over one weekend, NASCAR is increasing the commercial value and broadcast reach of the event. The Cup Series race will be streamed live on Prime Video, the Xfinity Series on The CW, and the Truck Series on FOX Sports.

This broadcast diversification reflects NASCAR’s strategy to capture wider audiences across digital and traditional platforms.

The move also reflects NASCAR’s operational agility. While the Chicago street race garnered solid viewership in its debut, local concerns over noise and street closures created friction. The shift to Coronado allows NASCAR to maintain the street race format in a more controlled and symbolic setting.

Although a return to Chicago remains possible in 2027, the Coronado event presents an immediate opportunity to test a new high-impact format.

Leadership and Legacy

Amy Lupo, who previously led the launch of NASCAR’s Coliseum event, has been appointed president of the San Diego race. Her leadership signals a focused approach to delivering a landmark event.

Ultimately, the move reinforces NASCAR’s push to differentiate its brand in a competitive sports entertainment landscape. By merging motorsport with military celebration, the series aims to engage new fans, create broadcast buzz, and build long-term brand equity through bold, experiential events.

NASCAR promotional video can be viewed on tiktok. 

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