A Historic Weekend on a Naval Base
NASCAR is set to make history by staging its first ever race weekend on a U.S. naval base, Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, from June 19 to 21, 2026. The event will bring together the premier Cup Series, the Craftsman Truck Series and the Xfinity Series for three distinct races, marking a bold expansion for the sport.
The weekend will feature a blend of tradition and novelty, with veteran competitors such as Jimmie Johnson preparing what is expected to be his second‑to‑last start in the Cup Series. Johnson will drive a specially liveried Carvana entry that pays tribute to his Southern California roots, located just 20 miles from the venue.
Alongside Johnson, the field will include former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen, who will pilot Trackhouse Racing’s Project91 Chevrolet, and veteran Jamie McMurray, entering as Kaulig Racing’s free‑agent driver in the No. 25 Ram. Corey Heim, who is slated for a full‑time Cup debut in 2027, will swap his neon‑yellow Robinhood scheme for a Mobil 1 livery during the event.
The lineup also showcases a diverse set of teams and sponsors, from JR Motorsports’ usual roster of Carson Kvapil and Rajah Caruth to emerging programs like TRICON Garage and Young’s Motorsports. The presence of multiple organizations underscores the collaborative nature of the weekend, which is being broadcast through partners including Prime Video, SiriusXM and the Motor Racing Network.
Looking Ahead
While the Coronado weekend promises a fresh spectacle, it also serves as a prelude to Johnson’s final Cup start scheduled for the 2027 Daytona 500. Fans can anticipate a celebratory send‑off for one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures, whose career has spanned more than two decades of record‑breaking achievements.