NASCAR San Diego Weekend 2026 runs Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21 at Naval Air Station North Island on Naval Base Coronado — the first NASCAR race ever held on an active U.S. military base. All three of NASCAR’s national series compete on the 3.4-mile, 16-turn Qualcomm Circuit, the longest road course on NASCAR’s 2026 schedule, in celebration of the United States Navy’s 250th anniversary.
If you live along the San Diego coast, have tickets, or simply need to navigate the region this weekend, here is everything worth knowing about the event, the schedule, and the traffic impact.
What Is NASCAR San Diego Weekend 2026?
NASCAR San Diego Weekend presented by Anduril is a three-day motorsports event at Naval Base Coronado (Naval Air Station North Island) in San Diego, California. It marks the first time in NASCAR history that a race has been staged on an active military installation, and only the second street course event in NASCAR’s modern era — following Chicago’s street race. The weekend coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and features all three of NASCAR’s national series: the Craftsman Truck Series, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the Cup Series.
NASCAR San Diego 2026 Race Schedule
The weekend runs across three consecutive days, with a different NASCAR series headlining each day on the same 3.4-mile Qualcomm Circuit.
Friday, June 19 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Navy Community Day) Friday access is reserved for U.S. Navy personnel and a limited number of Coronado residents. The Craftsman Truck Series race covers 50 laps (204 miles) and begins at 4 p.m. PT on FS1.
Saturday, June 20 — NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Gates open to the general public at 9 a.m., parking lots at 7 a.m. O’Reilly qualifying begins at 10 a.m. PT on The CW. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race runs 60 laps (204 miles) starting at 2 p.m. PT on The CW. Saturday also features fan experiences, driver appearances, and a Navy Mixed-Reality Experience — immersive simulations of aircraft carrier operations, Navy SEAL training, and submarine life inside the race grounds.
Sunday, June 21 — NASCAR Cup Series: Anduril 250 The headline event. Gates open at 9 a.m., parking lots at 7 a.m. The Anduril 250 runs 75 laps (255 miles) starting at 10 a.m. PT on Prime Video, with commentary from Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Steve Letarte. Sunday grandstand tickets are sold out; a waitlist is available at NASCARSanDiego.com.
The first 10,000 fans through the gates each day receive a commemorative giveaway item marking NASCAR’s historic San Diego debut.
What Is the Qualcomm Circuit at Naval Base Coronado?
The Qualcomm Circuit (also called the Coronado Street Course) is a 16-turn, 3.4-mile temporary street circuit built across the runways, taxiways, and base roads of Naval Air Station North Island. It is the longest circuit on NASCAR’s 2026 calendar and offers direct sightlines to San Diego Bay and active aircraft carriers docked alongside the track.
Named course features include:
- Ellyson Start/Finish Line — honoring Commander Theodore Ellyson, Naval Aviator Number One, whose training at North Island led to the base’s designation as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation”
- Carrier Corner (Turn 5) — a sharp left-hand turn situated between the berths of two active aircraft carriers
- Coronado Chicane (Turn 8) — a demanding series of corners as drivers accelerate toward the interior of the base
This is only the second street course in NASCAR’s modern era, following Chicago.
NASCAR San Diego Traffic: What to Expect This Weekend
Expect significant traffic disruption across the Coronado peninsula and surrounding freeways Friday through Sunday. Approximately 50,000 attendees per day are expected on an island that is home to roughly 21,000 residents.
Coronado Bay Bridge (SR-75): Heavy congestion is expected throughout the weekend. Caltrans is reconfiguring managed lane movable barriers along the bridge to handle event volume. If you are not attending the race, Caltrans recommends avoiding Coronado and all SR-75 entry points entirely.
I-5 corridor: Portable Changeable Message Signs are deployed between I-8 and SR-905. Fixed signs are active throughout the broader region.
Arrive early: Traffic officials recommend arriving at least four hours before race time, particularly on Sunday. Base access begins at 7 a.m. each day.
Real-time traffic updates: Caltrans QuickMap and 511 San Diego both provide live lane conditions and travel times across the SR-75 and I-5 corridors. The City of Coronado is also publishing event-specific guidance at coronado.ca.us.
How to Get to NASCAR San Diego: Parking and Transportation
Driving and Parking
All official event parking is located on Naval Base Coronado. There is no public event parking in Coronado town. Entry requires a valid ID and a digital, color-coded parking pass downloaded in advance through Ticketmaster. Parking is included with many ticket packages. RVs and oversized vehicles are not permitted. Expect security screening and extended queuing at base entry gates.
Coronado Ferry (Recommended)
The ferry is the most congestion-free option for attendees staying downtown or in Little Italy. Depart from Broadway Pier or the Convention Center ferry landing. From the Coronado Ferry Landing, walk approximately one mile west along 1st Street to the Yellow Carrier Gate, then continue to the Yellow Carrier Admission Gate near the trackside entrance — roughly a 20-minute walk total.
MTS Bus — Route 901
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is operating Route 901 service to the NASNI Transit Center throughout the weekend. Pedestrian access from the Transit Center is through the Carrier Gate at Quay Road and Alameda Boulevard — the only pedestrian entrance to the event. Free Park & Ride connections are available via trolley at the 12th & Imperial Transit Center (all trolley lines) or the Iris Avenue Transit Center (UC San Diego Blue Line).
MTS Route 904 — Coronado Free Shuttle
Coronado’s free summer shuttle (Route 904) is running extended hours throughout NASCAR weekend, approximately every 15 minutes. It connects the Ferry Landing, Orange Avenue, City Hall, and the Coronado Island Marriott — useful for exploring Coronado before or after the races.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Designated pickup and drop-off is at the corner of Colorado Street and Stockdale Boulevard (Yellow Gate area). Expect surge pricing after races end. Download all tickets and passes before arriving — cell service will be severely degraded once 50,000 fans are on the base simultaneously.
Cycling
Bikes are permitted on Naval Base Coronado during the event. Helmets are required by base regulation.
Do You Need Military Clearance for NASCAR San Diego?
No. NASCAR San Diego Weekend is operating as an open-base event. General public attendees do not need military credentials. You will need a valid ID, your digital ticket, and a permitted bag. Download all tickets and passes before leaving home — do not count on mobile data at the gate.
How to Watch NASCAR San Diego From Home
| Day | Series | Network | Start Time (PT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 19 | Craftsman Truck Series | FS1 | 4 p.m. |
| Saturday, June 20 | O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying | The CW | 10 a.m. |
| Saturday, June 20 | O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race | The CW | 2 p.m. |
| Sunday, June 21 | Cup Series: Anduril 250 | Prime Video | 10 a.m. |
Radio coverage on MRN across all three race days.
What This Weekend Says About Living in San Diego
Events of this scale are a reminder of what makes coastal San Diego — and North County in particular — so distinctive. This is a region that attracts world-class events alongside world-class communities. The NASCAR weekend joins a legacy that includes Super Bowls, U.S. Opens, MLB All-Star Games, and Breeders’ Cups, all set against the same coastline that makes Del Mar, Coronado, La Jolla, and Rancho Santa Fe among the most sought-after addresses in the country.
For buyers and homeowners in communities like Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and the surrounding coastline, weekends like this one illustrate something that market data alone can’t fully capture: the quality of life that defines the region at every level. If you’re still deciding between communities, our Del Mar vs. Rancho Santa Fe guide breaks down the key differences in lifestyle, location, and price.
If you’re exploring a move to coastal San Diego and want to understand what living here actually looks and feels like, our agent picks and personal favorites guide is a good place to start — or browse our San Diego events and lifestyle posts for a year-round picture of life along this coastline. When you’re ready to talk real estate, the Jason Barry Team is here. Reach out here.
Frequently Asked Questions About NASCAR San Diego 2026
What is NASCAR San Diego Weekend 2026? NASCAR San Diego Weekend 2026 is a three-day motorsports event at Naval Base Coronado (Naval Air Station North Island) in San Diego, running June 19–21. It is the first NASCAR race ever held on an active U.S. military base, featuring the Craftsman Truck Series (Friday), O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Saturday), and Cup Series (Sunday) on the 3.4-mile Qualcomm Circuit.
When is the NASCAR Cup Series race in San Diego? The Anduril 250 — the NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado — runs on Sunday, June 21, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. PT on Prime Video. The race covers 75 laps on the 3.4-mile Qualcomm Circuit. Sunday grandstand tickets are sold out; a waitlist is available at NASCARSanDiego.com.
Do you need military clearance to attend NASCAR San Diego? No. NASCAR San Diego Weekend is an open-base event. Attendees need a valid government-issued ID and a digital ticket, but no military credentials or security clearance are required.
Where do you park for NASCAR San Diego? All official event parking is on Naval Base Coronado. There is no public event parking in Coronado town. A digital, color-coded parking pass — downloaded through Ticketmaster before arriving — is required, and is included with many ticket packages. RVs and oversized vehicles are not permitted.
What time do parking lots and gates open for NASCAR San Diego? Parking lots open at 7 a.m. each day (Saturday and Sunday). Gates open to ticketed fans at 9 a.m.
Will the Coronado Bridge be backed up during NASCAR weekend? Yes. Caltrans is warning of major delays on the Coronado Bay Bridge (SR-75) all three days. If you are not attending, avoid Coronado and all SR-75 entry points. Monitor real-time conditions at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
What is the best way to get to NASCAR San Diego without driving? The Coronado Ferry from Broadway Pier or the Convention Center landing is the recommended alternative to driving. From the Coronado Ferry Landing, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the track entrance. MTS Route 901 to the NASNI Transit Center also provides direct access, with free Park & Ride connections from multiple trolley stations throughout San Diego.
Are tickets still available for NASCAR San Diego 2026? As of race weekend, Saturday O’Reilly Auto Parts Series tickets remain available. Sunday Cup Series grandstand tickets are sold out, with a waitlist open at NASCARSanDiego.com. Friday was Navy Community Day, reserved for military personnel and select Coronado residents.
What is the Qualcomm Circuit? The Qualcomm Circuit (also known as the Coronado Street Course) is a 16-turn, 3.4-mile temporary street circuit built on the runways, taxiways, and roads of Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. It is the longest circuit on NASCAR’s 2026 schedule and offers views of San Diego Bay and multiple aircraft carriers throughout the lap.