NASCAR is set to make a historic return to Southern California with a street race that winds through the narrow streets of Coronado Island, a tiny community that sits on a U.S. Navy base just across the bay from San Diego.
The 16‑turn, 3.4‑mile layout is being billed as the roughest circuit the Next Gen car has ever faced, a claim underscored by the presence of a dive team on standby in case a vehicle ends up in the water.
A Course Like No Other
Drivers will navigate a demanding braking zone at Turn 3 while keeping an eye on the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier that looms over the track, a distraction that has already prompted Ryan Blaney to voice his concerns.
Chris Buescher, who described the course as “very difficult to navigate, with little room for error,” will be among those feeling the pressure, as will points leader Tyler Reddick, who highlighted the same turn as a particular challenge.
The event marks the second street circuit in Cup Series history and the first ever held on a military installation, a milestone that NASCAR hopes will leave a lasting impression on fans in Southern California, a market that has not hosted a points race since the closure of California Speedway three years ago.
Amazon Prime Video will broadcast the race live from the deck of the USS Vinson, with its studio set up on the carrier’s flight deck and the announcing booth located in the ship’s bridge, giving viewers a unique perspective of the action.
The debut of former Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen, who will climb into a Trackhouse Racing Project 91 Chevrolet after his Le Mans experience, adds another layer of intrigue, as does the contract extension that keeps Chris Buescher at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing for the foreseeable future.
While the 2027 schedule may see the removal of events in Chicago, Mexico City and San Diego, NASCAR promises more surprises, and early betting interest has placed Shane van Gisbergen at the top of the list, with Connor Zilisch and Tyler Reddick also in the mix.
The 16‑turn layout ranks as the fifth‑longest track in Cup Series history, and NASCAR has added an extra set of tires to address wear concerns, a move that reflects the series’ willingness to adapt to the unique demands of this venue.
Even drivers recovering from injury, such as Christopher Bell, who is healing from a broken wrist, will have contingency plans, with Brent Crews standing by as a relief option.