NASCAR is taking a visit throughout the complete nation in the direction of Naval Base Coronado for an all-new race on the 2026 schedule. The seventeenth spherical of the Cup Sequence season will happen round a large, momentary road course present totally inside an lively navy base.
Here is every little thing it’s essential know forward of the first-ever operating of the Anduril 250 at Qualcomm Circuit on the historic Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California:
Naval Base Coronado Qualcomm Circuit Observe Specs
Observe Size: 3.4 miles (5.472 km)
Turns: 19, together with new chicane put in place simply earlier than ultimate nook
Anticipated laptime: Between 2mins 10s and 2min 15s
Take a Digital Tour Across the Naval Base Coronado Course
Watch: iRacing presents first have a look at Naval Base Coronado course
What Makes This Occasion and Circuit Distinctive
San Diego observe development
Photograph by: Orlando Ramirez Getty Pictures
NASCAR has by no means competed at an lively navy base earlier than, however that’s simply scratching the floor when contemplating what makes the Anduril 250 and its help races so distinctive, even amongst different bold road course occasions within the sport’s current previous.
Groups are requesting extra spotters than we have ever seen earlier than, and there are going to be a minimum of three dozen nook staff because of so many intricate sections and blind-spots across the observe.
“It’s very a lot going to be a survival race,” stated Brad Keselowski after touring the format. “Actually difficult for the drivers.”
The observe is extraordinarily tough in a number of sections with bumps which might be going to maintain these vehicles proper on the sting of catastrophe, and will even result in flat tires and rear diffuser harm if the drivers aren’t cautious. They should cross railroad tracks through the lap and at one level, will probably be simply toes away from San Diego Bay in one other.
And relying on what nook you are taking a look at, it is not unreasonable to suppose that it is two utterly totally different circuits with how a lot it varies all through the lap. Whereas some sections are extremely huge, different components barely enable two vehicles to maneuver by way of side-by-side. It is also far sooner than a standard road course, with numerous flowing, sweeping S-corners.
Answering Widespread Questions About San Diego Race
San Diego
Is that this an exhibition race?
This isn’t an exhibition race, just like the pre-season Conflict or the All-Star Race in Might. It’s a points-paying race that counts in the direction of the championship. It’s going to have three phases and award the identical quantity of factors as another conventional race on the schedule.
Will it return in 2027?
The 2027 schedule has not but been confirmed, however the prevailing perception is that this can be a one-year deal, and NASCAR is contemplating a return to the Chicago Avenue Course for 2027. Sequence officers have beforehand indicated a want to create new momentary road course occasions yearly, visiting totally different cities and increasing the game’s attain by specializing in new markets.
Which divisions are racing this weekend?
All three nationwide divisions are racing this weekend, starting with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Sequence on Friday, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Elements Sequence on Saturday, and the NASCAR Cup Sequence on Sunday.
Can drivers run a number of races?
Full-time drivers can’t run a number of races in San Diego because of it being seen as an unfair benefit with this being an new course for all drivers. Nonetheless, part-time drivers (like Jimmie Johnson) can enter a number of races. One exception is Austin Hill because of the distinctive circumstances, as he’s filling the second RCR Cup entry following the tragic passing of Kyle Busch.
Can followers attend?
Completely! Nonetheless, there’s a totally different coverage for Friday, placing navy members and their households first, however there are nonetheless a restricted variety of seats open to the general public for that day as effectively. After all, tenting is sort of out of the query, for apparent causes…
Full San Diego Weekend Schedule
Friday, June 19
12pm EST — NASCAR Truck follow #1 — N/A
1pm EST — NASCAR Truck follow #2 — N/A
2pm EST — NASCAR Truck qualifying — FOX SPORTS 2
3:30pm EST- NASCAR O’Reilly follow #1 — CW APP
5pm EST — NASCAR Cup follow #1 — PRIME VIDEO
7pm EST — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Sequence race — FOX SPORTS 1
Saturday, June 20
1pm EST — NASCAR O’Reilly qualifying — CW APP
2:30pm EST — NASCAR Cup qualifying — PRIME VIDEO
5pm EST — NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Elements Sequence race — THE CW NETWORK
Sunday, June 21
4pm EST — NASCAR Cup Sequence race — PRIME VIDEO
Essential Story Traces to Comply with
Kevin Magnussen within the Paddock
Photograph by: Simon Galloway / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
Kevin Magnussen makes NASCAR Cup debut with Challenge 91
Trackhouse is bringing Challenge 91 again, operating a fourth entry at Naval Base Coronado. Magnussen joins Helio Castroneves, Kimi Raikkonen, and Shane van Gisbergen as drivers of the Challenge 91 entry. The ex-F1 driver can be following within the footsteps of his father, Jan, who made a single Cup begin at Sonoma through the 2010 season. The Dane has by no means raced in any stage of NASCAR earlier than this, so it will likely be fairly the problem for the extremely skilled racer.
Jimmie Johnson returns for double responsibility in particular residence race
California native and 7x NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson has began 701 Cup races in his profession, however San Diego is so near residence for the NASCAR Corridor of Famer and Legacy Motor Membership co-owner, so he simply could not miss it. He’ll drive a 3rd entry for the LMC crew in Sunday’s Cup race, and also will compete in Friday’s Truck race with Tricon Storage. Johnson plans for the 2027 Daytona 500 to be his ultimate Cup race.
Can Reddick maintain onto championship lead in opposition to surging Hamlin?
In simply 4 races, Denny Hamlin has erased a lot of Tyler Reddick’s once-massive championship lead, tearing it down from 129 factors to only 19 factors after his third consecutive win of the 2026 season at Pocono. Avenue/highway programs are a weak spot for Hamlin, however there’s nonetheless the very actual chance we may see the primary change atop the standings this whole season. Definitely one thing to keep watch over!
Will Shane van Gisbergen road/highway course dominance proceed?
SVG has gained six of the final seven highway/road course races, ending P2 in the one race he failed to overcome. Being a brand-new course, most drivers imagine the already-dominant Kiwi goes to be unstoppable across the 3.4-mile course in San Diego. It is also essential that he does effectively, because the No. 97 is simply barely contained in the Chase area in the mean time, and must construct a buffer at these tracks the place he will be victorious whereas nonetheless studying ovals.
How will Bell handle with fractured left wrist?
At Michigan, a 63G affect left Christopher Bell with a fractured left wrist, however he raced on at Pocono regardless of the discomfort. It was tough, however he managed. Nonetheless, San Diego will probably be a completely totally different story, and the problem for the JGR driver — who presently sits tenth in factors — can’t be understated. The crew did have Brandon Jones on standby as a attainable reduction driver at Pocono, and can possible accomplish that once more this weekend … simply in case.
The ultimate Cup race on Prime Video
San Diego additionally serves because the finale of Prime Video’s five-week stretch broadcasting NASCAR Cup races. After San Diego, TNT takes over 4 the remainder of the summer time, that includes the $1 million-to-win in-season event.
Who Are The Prime 5 Drivers to Watch?
Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing
Photograph by: Chris Graythen – Getty Pictures
Shane van Gisbergen: The clear favourite. SVG is rewriting the report books with seven Cup wins since successful on debut in 2023, all on highway/road programs. These victories embody the Chicago Avenue Course, Watkins Glen, Sonoma, the Charlotte Roval, and Mexico Metropolis. He has completed no worse than sixth on any of those tracks since going full-time in Cup at the beginning of the 2025 season.
Connor Zilisch: SVG’s rookie teammate, and a driver who’s presently struggling by way of a nightmarish rookie season. However the rising star is extraordinarily succesful on highway and road programs, and has crushed SVG head-to-head in a number of NASCAR O’Reilly races. He confirmed flashes of pace at COTA and Watkins Glen earlier this 12 months, however misfortune prevented him from securing a end result that mirrored his true tempo.
Tyler Reddick: The one driver to beat SVG within the current previous, and a really succesful highway racer with two wins at COTA, one other at Street America, and a fourth on the Indianapolis RC. Reddick is determined to construct again up his factors lead, and is aware of that is the proper alternative to push again in opposition to Hamlin, so count on the No. 45 close to the entrance.
Ty Gibbs: The JGR driver lastly reached Victory Lane for the primary time in Cup earlier this 12 months at Bristol, however he has been very near successful a number of highway course races prior to now as effectively. He even gained on debut within the NASCAR O’Reilly Sequence on the Daytona Street Course. In Cup, almost a 3rd of his complete profession prime fives have been on highway programs, and he was in rivalry for the win earlier this 12 months at each Watkins Glen and COTA.
Michael McDowell: The one Spire driver but to succeed in Victory Lane this 12 months, and he completed second to SVG in the newest highway course race at Watkins Glen. He additionally has a Cup win on the Indianapolis RC. McDowell completed inside the highest 5 in 4 of the final 5 highway course races, and is without doubt one of the most skilled highway racers in the complete area.
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