Overview

• NASCAR is close to finalizing an agreement for its first Cup Series street race in San Diego in 2026, with a formal announcement expected in mid-July.
• The event is slated to occupy the late February or early March date left vacant by the former Auto Club Speedway race.
• San Diego would join Chicago and Mexico City in a growing strategy to tap urban markets after those street events delivered over $100 million in local economic impact.
• Series officials have scouted potential courses downtown, in Coronado and elsewhere in the county and are working with Sports San Diego on permitting and infrastructure plans.
• Some drivers and traditionalist fans caution that adding more urban circuits could dilute NASCAR’s core oval-racing heritage.