Full Breakdown
NASCAR’s 2027 Schedule Highlights Return to Naval Base Coronado
8/27/2026, 12:31:16 AM
Core Event: Return to Naval Base Coronado
NASCAR will stage its Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on the 16-turn, 3.4-mile Qualcomm Circuit at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego County. The three-day “NASCAR San Diego Weekend” runs from July 30 through the following weekend, with the Cup race on the Sunday of that span. The event is part of a multi-year partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense that will rotate to a different base in 2028.
Background & Context
The inaugural street race debuted in June 2026, sold out, and was the first NASCAR competition on an active U.S. military base. NASCAR and the Department of Defense announced the continuation for 2027 and a rotation plan beginning in 2028. The 2027 schedule, released in August 2026, also restores the Clash at Daytona, moves the All-Star Race to North Wilkesboro, and returns Homestead-Miami Speedway for the championship weekend.
Timeline
- July 30 – O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice and qualifying.
- Sunday of the July 30 weekend – Cup Series race on the Qualcomm Circuit.
- March 27–28 – First off-weekend (Easter).
- May 16 – Dover Motor Speedway returns to the Cup points schedule.
- September 11 – Richmond Raceway opens the Chase.
- November 14 – Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts the season-ending championship weekend.
Data & Statistics
- The 2027 national series schedule comprises 36 Cup races plus three non-points exhibitions.
- 32 races have been confirmed, including the Coronado weekend.
- The 2026 San Diego event sold roughly 100,000 tickets; the 2027 capacity has not been set.
- The Craftsman Truck Series will not return to Coronado in 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
- Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao praised the event as a showcase of “teamwork, toughness and precision.”
- Coronado Mayor John Duncan called the race “a unique opportunity” that brings “tremendous energy” to the city.
- NASCAR Cup Series director Brad Moran said the schedule was released “a little different this year” to give tracks more promotional time.
- Ben Kennedy, NASCAR chief operating officer, described the 2027 calendars as reflecting “continued momentum of our sport” and a “balanced schedule for our fans.”
Criticism & Opposition
Coronado City Manager Tina Friend warned that the 2026 event produced “pretty tremendous” traffic, “significant sound impacts,” and reduced business for some merchants. She urged collaborative mitigation for the 2027 weekend.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Capacity: Amy Lopo (NASCAR San Diego president) said the 2027 capacity “has not been set,” while earlier reports highlighted the 2026 sell-out of 100,000 tickets.
- Fan amenities: Post-race surveys noted limited food and beverage options, an area Lopo acknowledged for improvement.
- Series participation: Some outlets reported the Truck Series would return, but the official schedule confirms its absence from Coronado in 2027.
What’s Next
NASCAR and the Department of Defense will identify a second military installation for a 2028 street-course race. Final dates for the full 2027 calendar, broadcast partners, and ticketing details for the Coronado weekend will be announced later in the year.
