San Diego returning to 2027 NASCAR schedule; other military locations under consideration for the future

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By Kelly Crandall - Aug 25, 2026, 2:27 PM ET

San Diego returning to 2027 NASCAR schedule; other military locations under consideration for the future

NASCAR will return to San Diego and Naval Base Coronado in 2027 with the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The event will be held July 30–August 1 at Naval Air Station North Island. It is a 16-turn course, 3.4 miles long. 

“What we experienced this year – the incredible racing, the energy from our fans and the partnership with the U.S. Navy and the San Diego community – showed just how special this event can be,” said NASCAR San Diego President Amy Lupo.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to build on that momentum, and we are fully committed to improving the experience for our fans. Together, we will create another unforgettable weekend that celebrates the San Diego region, NASCAR, and most importantly, the brave sailors who selflessly serve our country.”

Navy Community Night will be held on Friday, July 30. There will be free access to O’Reilly Series practice and qualifying, plus interactive experiences for sailors and members of the Coronado community. 

"We are proud to welcome NASCAR back to Naval Base Coronado for another incredible weekend in 2027. It takes teamwork, toughness, and precision to win on the track – all traits our Sailors and Marines demonstrate every day in defense of our nation," said Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao.

“We look forward to celebrating this partnership with the San Diego community and giving our service members and their families an unforgettable experience."

NASCAR and San Diego partnered for the inaugural event with all three national series on the weekend of June 21. It was a sold-out event, and marked the first time NASCAR had held a race on an active military base.

But it also turned out to be the start of a long-term plan. 

In addition to announcing its 2027 race date, NASCAR and the Department of Defense announced a multiyear plan to hold street races at other military bases. The intent for 2028 is that the event will move from San Diego to a different military installation. 

“Our partnership with NASCAR gives us a unique national platform to honor the men and women who serve, strengthen connections with military families and communities, and showcase the mission and values of our Armed Forces,” said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

“Our vision is bigger than a single race or location. By bringing this event to different military installations in the years ahead, we can reach more service members across the country and build an enduring tradition that celebrates courage, commitment and elite performance.”

Kelly Crandall
Kelly Crandall

Kelly has been on the NASCAR beat full-time since 2013, and joined RACER as chief NASCAR writer in 2017. Her work has also appeared in NASCAR.com, the NASCAR Illustrated magazine, and NBC Sports. A corporate communications graduate from Central Penn College, Crandall is a two-time George Cunningham Writer of the Year recipient from the National Motorsports Press Association.

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