NASCAR has confirmed that all three national series will race on a new San Diego Street Circuit at Naval Base Coronado in June 2026. Moments after the news broke, iRacing fans began asking the obvious question — when will the track appear in the sim?
NASCAR executives admitted that iRacing helped design the course, and several Cup Series drivers have already tested early virtual builds. That collaboration makes an iRacing release feel almost inevitable.
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NASCAR’s 2026 San Diego Event: Built on Simulation
The San Diego event will run from June 19–21, 2026 as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations for the United States and the U.S. Navy.
The layout should be roughly three miles long, combining open waterfront straights with technical corners inside the base. Prime Video will stream the race, giving NASCAR another major showcase after Chicago and Mexico City.
During the announcement, Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Chief Venue & Racing Officer, confirmed that iRacing’s simulation tools shaped the design. Drivers used the digital version to test braking zones, visibility, and passing opportunities before construction begins.
The Pattern Is Clear: If iRacing Helps Build It, It Usually Comes to iRacing
The rumor of an upcoming iRacing San Diego Street Circuit isn’t far-fetched — it’s prHistory shows a clear pattern: whenever NASCAR builds a new concept with iRacing, the track later appears in the sim.
- L.A. Coliseum Clash — added to iRacing before the first real race.
- Chicago Street Course — released weeks ahead of its debut.
- Bristol Dirt — designed virtually, then brought to life.
Following that pattern, it’s reasonable to expect the San Diego Street Circuit to join iRacing’s catalog soon after the real event.
Possible Release Window
If development follows previous timelines, iRacing could release the track in late 2026 or early 2027. That window would allow time for laser scanning and any changes made after the inaugural race weekend.
Even though NASCAR’s current deal covers only one year, Kennedy has hinted at future races either at Coronado or other military bases. A longer commitment would almost guarantee iRacing’s involvement.
What to Expect from the Track
Early descriptions suggest a fast yet technical layout. Long straights will favor drafting, while tight hairpins should reward braking precision. The naval-base setting also opens creative scenery options — aircraft, hangars, and harbor views could frame the racing surface.
In iRacing, the San Diego track would stand out for its industrial-coastal atmosphere, contrasting with Chicago’s downtown skyline and Long Beach’s marina streets.
This project shows how far the iRacing–NASCAR partnership has evolved. The simulator no longer just recreates circuits — it now helps invent them. Every new NASCAR experiment begins in a virtual model before the first wall or barrier is built.
For iRacers, that means early access to cutting-edge venues and a front-row seat to the sport’s evolution.
