NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin is gearing up for a landmark street race that will roll through the historic streets of Coronado, just across the bay from San Diego, on June 21.
A Coastal Debut for NASCAR
The event, branded as the Qualcomm Circuit, will feature 16 turns over a 3.4‑mile layout that winds around the naval base, presenting a fresh puzzle for the drivers.
Hamlin, who boasts 61 career victories and a recent All‑Star win in his No. 11 Progressive Toyota, will be watching the action from the pit wall as a co‑owner of 23XI Racing, the team he shares with basketball legend Michael Jordan. Their newest driver, Tyler Reddick, captured a recent road‑course victory that adds extra buzz.
Speaking about the upcoming weekend, Hamlin said the race coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations and the July Fourth holiday, promising a spectacle that will draw both fans and viewers across the country.
The schedule leaves just 50 minutes of practice on Friday, June 19, before Saturday’s qualifying session, giving teams only a narrow window to fine‑tune setups. Hamlin noted that Toyota’s advanced simulation tools will be essential for drivers to adapt quickly to the new track.
When the green flag drops at 1 p.m. Pacific time, the 75‑lap contest will mark the first time the Cup Series races on a street circuit in Coronado, and many will be eager to see how the new layout shapes the competition.