According to a reports, discussions between NASCAR and the City of San Diego are in advanced stages, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks. While no specific route has been confirmed, the race would likely follow a course through downtown streets or along the Embarcadero, transforming San Diego’s scenic urban core into a televised motorsports spectacle.
The move comes as NASCAR seeks to reestablish its presence in Southern California following the removal of Fontana’s Auto Club Speedway from the racing calendar in 2023. The success of NASCAR’s inaugural Chicago street race, coupled with growing interest in city-based circuits, has encouraged league officials to explore more street courses to diversify the racing schedule and attract new fans.
San Diego’s temperate climate, visual appeal, and tourism infrastructure make it a prime candidate for what would become only the second street race on the Cup Series calendar. Sources close to the negotiations say that if the deal goes through, San Diego would join Chicago as part of a broader urban racing strategy aimed at energizing both longtime fans and new demographics.
Not everyone in the racing world is thrilled about the shift. NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty has voiced concerns about the increasing number of road and street races in the sport, claiming they don’t represent the heart of traditional NASCAR. He has also criticized the playoff format that grants drivers automatic playoff spots for a single race win—even if they rank low in season standings - citing the example of Shane van Gisbergen, who secured a playoff berth after a dominant win in Mexico City despite being ranked 30th overall.
Still, proponents of the new approach argue that street races like those planned for San Diego are essential for growing the sport’s reach, offering both economic benefits to host cities and fresh excitement for viewers worldwide. An event in San Diego could bring tens of thousands of fans downtown and generate millions in local revenue, with tourism, media exposure, and hospitality all getting a major boost.
As plans solidify, San Diegans should prepare for the possibility of high-octane racecars zipping through familiar streets by 2026. Until then, motorsports fans and city officials alike are watching closely for confirmation that San Diego will become NASCAR’s next major urban racing hub.
Originally published on June 18, 2025.
